Agenda - 03-16-2021; 8-a - Minutes

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8 1 John Roberts said someone putting up a target in their yard does not constitute a sports 2 shooting range. He said there is no case law, except that a shooting range is not a farm use 3 through agro-tourism, but it has to be more than a target. 4 Commissioner Dorosin said it could be a naturally occurring berm in their yard, which 5 does not require one to take affirmative steps in their yard. He clarified that there is no 6 registration required, no advanced notification to the County or neighbors, etc. 7 John Roberts discussed various firearms and the scattering of shots based on different 8 types of firearms. He said some would require a backstop, and some would not. 9 Commissioner Hamilton clarified that there is no definition of what a sports shooting 10 range actually is. 11 John Roberts said no, except for the description in NCGS 14-409.46(e) 12 Commissioner McKee asked if he had people over to his house to shoot skeet, would 13 that be grandfathered in as a shooting range. 14 John Roberts said if the area was reasonably maintained as a shooting range then it 15 could be grandfathered in. 16 Commissioner McKee said many people shoot skeet with guests at their homes, but do 17 not maintain a defined area/range. He said he is unsure what the Board is trying to accomplish 18 here, but if there is a goal to enforce, then definitions will be important. 19 Chair Price said she gets complaints about the noise, which cannot be regulated, but 20 with the noise comes concerns about safety. 21 John Roberts continued to review the current Orange County ordinance firearm 22 prohibitions and relevant UDO language. 23 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a process to enforce the current Orange County 24 firearms ordinances. 25 John Roberts said he would defer to the Sheriff. 26 Sheriff Blackwood said his department reviews what the individual is shooting, if there is 27 a backstop or berm, what is the manner in which they are firing their gun, are they target 28 shooting or just walking around, etc. He said his department has had success with educating 29 the public and enforcing the ordinance. He said some citations have been made. 30 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a criminal citation or a fine. 31 John Roberts said it is a misdemeanor violation, which carries a $500 fine and a $500 32 civil penalty. 33 Sheriff Blackwood said there are also expensive court costs, in addition to the fine. 34 Chair Price asked if the Sheriff's Department is able to determine the location of a 35 discharge, when it receives complains about noise. 36 Sheriff Blackwood said previous knowledge of the people and the community comes into 37 play. He said his department usually get calls for areas of which they are already aware. He 38 said noise is not an issue, and cannot be an issue. He said the Sheriff's department is 39 determining if one is shooting in a safe manner. He said an individual shooting could be 40 shooting in a safe manner, even if they are surrounded by other residences, due to backstops 41 and other set ups on the property. He said most residents are cooperative, and are discharging 42 firearms safely. He said the initial approach to the property is somewhat dangerous for 43 deputies, as it is yet unclear into what the deputy is walking. 44 Commissioner Hamilton asked if many complaints are received in a year. 45 Chair Price said she gets about 2 or three complaints, due to the fear of hearing 46 gunshots. 47 Commissioner Hamilton asked if it is known how many calls involve actual safety issues. 48 Sheriff Blackwood said calls are seasonal. He said typically, a person complains when 49 they have heard gunshots for several hours, and the Sheriff's department has to determine if the 50 shooting is being done in a safe manner, then they discuss with the individual about stopping. 51 He said his department suggests that residents call 911 ahead of time to let them know they will