The text
Sec. 9-1. - Purpose.#
This chapter is intended to regulate the establishment and operation of shooting range facilities. Such recreational and training complexes, due to their potential noise impacts and safety concerns, merit careful review to minimize public safety risks and adverse effects on adjoining properties. This chapter does not otherwise apply to the general discharge of firearms or the use of bows and arrows in accordance with all other applicable laws or regulations. Shooting ranges, whether licensed or unlicensed, are subject this chapter and all other ordinances referenced; however, section 38-105(4) shall not apply to the discharge of firearms inside or in relation to a licensed shooting range.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-2. - Definitions.#
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, as consistent with the definitions contained in section 38-103 unless defined otherwise, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
EPA Lead Management Guidelines means, at any given time, the latest edition of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Best Management Practices for Lead at Shooting Ranges.
Firearm means a weapon, including but not limited to pistols, rifles, and shotguns, capable of firing a projectile using an explosive charge as a propellant.
Firing line means a line parallel to a target from which firearms or arrows are discharged.
Indoor shooting range facility means a public or private facility, including individual shooting ranges, safety fans or shotfall zones, structures, parking areas, and other associated improvements, designed for the purpose of providing an indoor place for the discharge of various types of firearms or the practice of archery.
New shooting range facility means an indoor shooting range facility that was not lawfully preexisting as of August 12, 2014.
Occupied dwelling means any property on which is located a building or structure used wholly or partially for living or sleeping purposes and includes the words "intended, designed or arranged to be" occupied.
Safety fan means an area on a shooting range facility designed to contain all projectiles fired from a shooting range.
Shooting gallery is the term used by the Rhode Island General Assembly and for the purposes of this chapter is the same as indoor shooting range or indoor shooting range facility.
Shooting station means a fixed point from which firearms or arrows are discharged.
Shotfall zone(s) means an area within which the shot or pellets contained in a shotgun shell typically fall.
Structure means a walled and roofed building that is principally above ground; a manufactured or mobile home; a storage tank for gases or liquids; or any other permanent, manmade facilities.
Target means any object or area which is used as the intended recipient of the projectiles fired from a firearm.
Town means the Town of Tiverton, Rhode Island, or the area within the territorial limits of the town, and such territory outside of the town over which the town has jurisdiction or control by virtue or ownership or any constitutional or Charter provision or any law.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-3. - Applicability.#
This chapter is applicable to all existing and future shooting range facilities in the town. See article IV for specific time limits for licensing of existing shooting range facilities.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-4. - Performance standards.#
The following performance standards shall apply to all shooting range facilities: (1)
Shot containment. Shooting range facilities shall be designed to contain, and shall contain all of the bullets, shot, or arrows or any other debris on the range facility. Failure to contain all such bullets, shot, or arrows shall be prima facia evidence of a violation of this chapter.
(2)
Noise mitigation. Shooting range facilities shall also be consistent with section 38-136 as to all allowable noise levels and noise disturbances. See section 8-23 for further requirements for indoor shooting range facilities.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-5. - Minimum design requirements.#
Where not otherwise specified within this chapter or other applicable law, shooting range facilities shall meet or exceed the design standards specified by the (insert date here) edition of the NRA Range Source Book.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-6. - Maintenance.#
Where not otherwise specified within this chapter, shooting range facilities shall be operated and maintained in a manner that shall meet or exceed the standards specified in the (insert date here) edition of the NRA Range Source Book.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-7. - Liability insurance.#
The licensee shall be required to carry liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $2,000,000.00 aggregate coverage. The Town shall be notified of any policy changes or lapses in coverage.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)
Sec. 9-8. - Penalties.#
Any person operating an unlicensed shooting range facility or operating a licensed shooting range facility who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 for the first offense, and $500.00 for each subsequent offense, plus court costs and costs of prosecution, including but not limited to attorney's fees. No penalty shall be assessed until the person alleged to be in violation has been notified of the violation. Each day of a continued violation shall constitute a separate violation and any such penalty shall be recovered for the use of the town.
(Ord. of 8-12-14)