Sec. 98-873(c)

Ranges for shotgun slugs, rifles, and pistols must install a rubber membrane or similar catching device shall be installed to prevent lead runoff.

When any part of an outdoor range encompasses water, wetland and Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas, no lead bullets or shot shall be used. If steel shot is required, shot no larger than number six shall be allowed. If the state approves an alternative to steel shot, it shall be allowed, but shot shall be no larger than number six.

The decibel limit at the property line of the range facility shall coincide with the appropriate standards set forth in the NRA Range Source Book.

Noise abatement barriers equal to or better than the NRA guidelines set forth in the NRA Range Source Book shall be utilized and shall appear on the site plan.

Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs which impair judgment or motor control on range property is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on range property during range operations.

An adequate barrier must be installed in all archery ranges so as to prevent the escape of arrows. Overhead baffles must also be in place to prevent the escape of arrows. All containment structures must be in accordance with the standards set forth in the NRA Range Source Book.

All combat-style firearm ranges shall require a range master to be present at all times of operation. All combat-style firearm ranges shall be cold ranges. All combat-style firearm ranges shall be designed to contain all bullets fired within the property.

In the construction of new safety features at existing ranges, county zoning, environmental, and building fees will be waived by the county provided a written request is presented to, and approved by, the zoning administrator prior to construction.

A three-sided earthen berm or other similar structure providing at least the equivalent safety must surround all firearms ranges so as to prevent the escape of projectiles. Overhead baffles must also be in place to prevent the escape of projectiles. All containment structures must be in accordance with the standards set forth in the NRA Range Source Book.

Hours of operation for outdoor ranges shall not begin before 7:00 a.m. or sunrise, whichever is later, and shall end no later than 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, or such fewer hours as may specified by the issuance of a conditional use permit.

The range facility operator shall report in writing to the sheriff all known on-site and off-site projectile wounds and off-site property damage resulting from activity at the range facility and any measures that are proposed to address any deficiencies that may have contributed to the wounds or damages. The report shall be made within 24 hours after the existence of the projectile wound or damages become known to the operator.

Any indoor shooting range shall be designed to contain all projectiles fired.

A ventilation system that complies with the OSHA standards for lead dust dissipation shall be installed and annually inspected. Regular cleaning of the facility shall be performed so as to minimize the impact of lead dust. Other lead monitoring and control actions shall be performed as stated in the NRA Range Source Book.

Copies of all current certificates of insurance shall be provided annually to the county.

For all paintball ranges (including combat-style paintball ranges), a net or similar structure shall be in place to prevent the escape of projectiles from the firing area. As an alternative, a minimum of 100 yards shall exist as a buffer between the live fire boundary and the property line. Abandoned propellant canisters shall be regularly retrieved.

A written list of the current range rules shall be prominently posted throughout the facility and filed with the department of community development. The operator of the range will require that each new user sign and date a copy of the range rules, stating that the user agrees to abide by such rules.

Typical safety equipment for the type of shooting practiced at the range facility shall be required to be worn by all participants or spectators when in the vicinity of a shooting range. Signage shall be posted and shall conform to OSHA safety signage regulations.

A safety plan, meeting at the minimum the safety standards set forth in the National Rifle Association (NRA) Range Source Book, or its equivalent, shall be created for any range operation. Said plan shall be submitted for review to the sheriff and fire chief (or the director of public safety if appointed). Amendments to safety plans shall be reviewed prior to implementation. The safety plan shall address such items as the required certification of instructors and range masters, supervision of patrons, type of targets and methods of use, use of protective eyewear and equipment, and other similar operational requirements.

All shooting stations will be designed so they are directed away from all existing residential uses and residentially-zoned properties and all shooting of projectiles will occur only in a direction away from such existing uses and properties.

Guns other than shotguns are not allowed. Only 7½ lead shot or smaller shall be allowed. Spent casings shall be retrieved from outdoor ranges at least once a week.

Spent bullets, bullet waste, and slugs shall be retrieved from outdoor ranges at least once a year.

Skeet, trapshooting, and sporting clay ranges shall be so designed and constructed that the distance to any adjacent property measured from the firing point or points in the direction of fire shall be not less than 300 yards.

For outdoor ranges, warning signs shall be posted at 100-foot intervals along the entire perimeter. Each sign shall include warning language along with a visual warning icon and shall comply with OSHA's danger and warning sign requirements.