Minutes 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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18 1 regulations to address safety concerns by requiring discharged items remain on the subject 2 parcel and for those areas where a gun is discharged to be set distances from a property line 3 and occupied dwelling units. 4 10 This will require either the erection of a land use buffer, or preservation of existing vegetation, 5 around the area of the property where shooting activities are occurring. 6 Chair McKee referred to the section regarding shooting ranges versus shooting 7 activities, and he noted differences in the backstop heights and set backs from adjacent 8 properties. 9 Michael Harvey said the reason for the distinction is that shooting activities are meant to 10 be in a residential setting. He said if the public is going to be present, then the nature of the use 11 becomes commercial, and the setback requirements et al will change. 12 Chair McKee said emails about this issue do not distinguish between a commercial 13 range, and a residential back yard target. He said the concern is about the safety, and he is not 14 so sure that there should be the same requirements for this issue. 15 Michael Harvey said the intent is to distinguish back yard recreational enjoyment versus 16 a paid, commercial, open-to-the-public range. 17 Chair McKee said he would question how it would be justified to have two people over to 18 target shoot on large open property with no neighbors, and not allow that same right to 19 someone that lives on two acres in another township. 20 Michael Harvey said there would be properties that will be unable to conform to 21 whatever standard is imposed. He said this is regrettable. He said in more densely populated 22 areas with smaller lots, there would need to be acceptable limitations. 23 Chair McKee said the acceptable limitations should be the higher. 24 Commissioner Pelissier referred to the requirement that public shooting ranges can only 25 operate between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. She asked if there could be a similar limit placed on 26 private landowners. She said the noise of a group of friends target shooting on the weekend is 27 the same as that of a commercial range. 28 Michael Harvey said firearms are exempt within the Orange County Noise Ordinance. 29 Commissioner Jacobs thanked Michael Harvey for trying to revise this ordinance. He 30 suggested inviting the many residents who have complained repeatedly about the shooting 31 ranges to a Planning Board meeting. 32 Commissioner Jacobs noted the standards for commercial shooting ranges of 600 feet 33 from any property line, and asked if there is a similar standard for a personal shooting target. 34 Michael Harvey said 300 feet. 35 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is then a minimal lot size that would be required in 36 order to accommodate this standard. 37 Michael Harvey said he did not know, but would find this out. 38 Commissioner Jacobs said it might also be useful including slope on these ranges. 39 Michael Harvey said when trying to create uniform standards, it is difficult to allow 40 flexibility regarding slope of property as there could end up being many more problems. He said 41 on-site land differences cannot be taken into account, as it results in people being treated 42 differently. 43 Paul Guthrie said in his neighborhood there are both kinds of ranges, and the Sheriff's 44 office does come out to make sure that weapons are being discharged safely. He also said 45 other states allow the shooting of explosive targets. 46 Michael Harvey said this text amendment prohibits exploding targets, and does not 47 preempt the Sheriff's office from their duty of insuring safety.