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