Agenda - 01-21-2016 - 5-a - Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment – Recreational Land Uses - Closure of Public Hearing and Action (No Additional Comments Accepted)

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19 Commissioner Jacobs said the way the Sheriff's measure decibels has never stopped anyone from shooting, as the noise is measured from the property line and typically dissipates enough by that point. He said he does agree with the possibility of reasonable hours being enforced. Commissioner Price asked if the warning signs will have a uniform look, and if the Planning Board deems placing them at 100-foot intervals sufficient. Michael Harvey said he did not recall the distance being a concern, and that the signs are simply to serve as a warning of shooting activity. Commissioner Price said she is concerned as to whether the time of day, or the decibels of the noise, is a more effective enforcement. She said the lay of land would have an impact on this. Michael Harvey said if the Planning Board and the BOCC would like to see a reasonable time limit he could pursue it, but he would prefer the issue of decibel levels be discussed directly with the Sheriff. Lisa Stuckey asked if it required that the backstops be maintained, in order to avoid degrading. Michael Harvey said the ordinance does not specify this, but if a permit is issued indicating that the backstop will be maintained, it must be complied with. Chair McKee asked what would happen if a member of the public purchased a new rifle and went on his 10 acres of land to practice shooting, without a backstop or any type of buffer. Michael Harvey said if someone complains to him, he would meet with the landowner where the shooting occurred, and try to enforce this issue. He said it is a valid concern, and this is an opportunity to educate the public on what the ordinance requires. He said ordinances are living and breathing documents that can be changed. Chair McKee said he appreciated this effort on the shooting issue. He said he hears about repetitive shooting in the same areas over and over again. Maxecine Mitchell asked questions and clarifications on issues surrounding residential versus commercial recreational areas and Michael Harvey responded. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a limit on the number of people that may shoot at a residential property at the same time. Michael Harvey said there is no limit built into this ordinance to say how many people can be at a place and discharging a firearm. Michael Harvey said a distinction has been established between the recreational accessory uses versus a non-residential land use activity. He said the Planning Board had a lot of concerns at the ORC regarding his draft definition of a recreational facility. He said he met with the Attorney's Office, and a workable definition, that can be enforced, was created.