shooting range problem.

[husbandofaromanian]

I have been trying to buy land to put a shooting range on. However, I keep getting a lot of flack from local codes. They're telling me that I will have to change my zoning to commercial if I have people leasing my range by the day for target shooting. And of course, for this zoning change, every neighbor gets notified to show up to the meeting to make sure that no shooting range opens next to them.

I found land that is very safe because it is surrounded by hills. Would opening a private club solve the problem?

 

[Crusader103]

Have you contacted the NRA's Shooting Range Services?

Seems like a pretty good place to start. I can't imagine that your obstacles are unique so they are likely to at least be able to lead you in the right direction.

http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/

 

[jfh]

I've been on a city planning commission, and I belong to a Club with a shooting range--and to top it off, the range(s) and property have some unique problems--such as a housing development downrange from them.

I suspect where you are trying to buy would be more gun-friendly than where we are. But, based on my experiences / knowledge of the situations up here, I would plan on 1) buying the land conditionally and 2) preparing for a somewhat-tedious process for the Zoning and Land Use issues. Be prepared to be able to show some (land) development proposals (architectural renderings) that will answer any questions from access and parking needs on through to range design and the obvious safety ones. I don't think there is any way around those city / state / county / gov't needs if you plan on allowing people other than your family shooting on the land.

What you are going to be striving for would probably be a zoning change for a range, and not necessarily for commercial use. Another angle on it would be getting a Conditional Use Permit--and hopefully, one that does not need to be renewed annually. Unless you plan on having this range strictly for personal use--and the existing laws and rules allow shooting on your own land--don't even think of trying to slide by the zoning change and notification needs.

The NRA contact above may well be able to help you on that, or at least redirect you to the NRA legal types who can point you in the right direction. Independent of them, I would also contact any local shooting types, including LEO, to get the name of a local lawyer who may well be a shooter and who does real estate stuff.

Jim H.

 

[ants]

Your local zoning and development codes will dictate what you have to do.

Jim's advice is interesting, but development codes vary broadly among jurisdictions. A 'Use Permit' in one jurisdiction is a different animal in another. The definition of 'Commercial Use' differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Uses that are conditional or permitted in one town or county, may be allowed in another municipality, and may be strictly forbidden in another.

I know it's frustrating if you haven't dealt with your development code before, so it is best to find a civil engineer, architect, lawyer, or planning consultant who will walk you through your local development code and tell you exactly what it says.

Hint: Many experienced developers apply for local approvals BEFORE escrow closes, and escrow is contingent upon gaining approval. That way you don't buy land, and get stuck with it when your use is not approved.

 

[creepiE]

I would be more worried about the insurance...