Title
Use Permit Application by Research Holdings, LLC, to Operate An Indoor Shooting Range at 34 Research Drive
Purpose
Background Statement:
This Use Permit Application is a request to operate an indoor shooting range at 34 Research Drive [LRSN 6000995], located within the Langley Research and Development Park.
The proposed shooting range is a specially-built and equipped self-contained 53-foot trailer that will be used by ThreatTec (Research Holdings, LLC) to augment the marketing efforts of the GunSmoke proposal. Visits to the range would be paired with walk-thru presentations of the future GunSmoke facility. Use of the range will be limited to ThreatTec (Research Holdings, LLC) staff and its clientele and will not be available to the general public. The indoor shooting range trailer will be located on an existing concrete pad, just outside the north side of the ThreatTec building. Other than a requirement to anchor the trailer securely to the concrete pad per the building code, no additional exterior additions, or alterations or site modifications will be required.
Known as the Meggitt “RoadRange”, the trailer is outfitted with ballistic armor plating, ventilation filter system, acoustical material, thermal insulation, and a bullet trap to stop the bullet. The shooting area is armor plated throughout with the impact area reinforced. This armor plating is ¼" ar-500 material which is installed on all sides, top, and bottom of the shooting area inside the trailer. The shooting range is suitable for small arms and rifle calibers up to .223.
The Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended) recommends Business/Industrial land use for this area. The Plan also recommends policies that will encourage and maintain an environment that promotes the continued growth of small businesses, especially those which strengthen existing industries. This proposal will encourage the development and expansion of an existing business and continue to provide a nurturing atmosphere for small businesses by allowing a local company to expand in Hampton.
Adequate traffic circulation and parking exist on this site and Research Drive will not be significantly impacted by this use.
Staff recommends that seven (7) conditions be attached to the indoor shooting range use permit to ensure the proposed land use action is executed properly. Proposed conditions address range safety and security. Based on the analysis of this application, the proposed use permit is consistent with the City’s goals and policies, as outlined in the Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended).
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approval with 7 conditions
Planning Commission Recommendation:
On September 17th, the Planning Commission recommended approval of this item with seven (7) conditions.