Changes to regulations regarding target ranges are in the works for Calvert County. The aim appears to be to aid law enforcement in meeting added training requirements and allow enterprising members of the private sector provide a clamored-for service.
The Calvert County Commissioners conducted a work session on the proposed changes during their Tuesday, June 25 meeting.
“In recent years there’s been a growing need for more target ranges,” stated Calvert County Planning Commission Administrator Yolanda Hipski in a memo to the commissioners.
Hipski noted that indoor firing ranges are allowed by special exception in Calvert’s Rural Commercial districts while outdoor ranges are allowed by special exception in Farm and Forestry and Industrial districts.
“Both indoor and outdoor target ranges must meet certain conditions which include location of at least 1,000 feet from any existing property boundary,” Hipski stated. “Staff opinion is the condition is very restrictive and, given law enforcement firearms training and practice requirements, the target range provisions should be re-evaluated.”
Department of Community Planning and Building staff drafted three options for consideration. The first option—Option A—would maintain current performance standards for non-institutional target ranges. Option B modifies the current performance standards for indoor and outdoor ranges. The option also reduces setbacks but keeps outdoor target ranges in the Farm and Forestry districts. Option C modifies the current standards, introduces institutional target ranges, reduces setbacks, keeps outdoor ranges in the Farm and Forest district and permits indoor target ranges in certain town centers.
County staff has indicated the expansion of target ranges would be consistent with Calvert’s Comprehensive Plan since one objective is to provide additional recreation. With the commissioners’ recent approval of expanded deer hunting, proponents of the measure believe more ranges would be helpful to hunters.
The proposals would reduce the required setback for target ranges from 1,000 feet to 200 feet. Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] admitte
