Council meets February 26 to discuss Ordinance
Public Hearing Tenative for March 12
Loveland, Ohio - Even though no one asked them to, city leaders took steps last Tuesday to insure that shooting ranges were outlawed around City Hall. At the same time, they moved forward with a plan to make it more difficult, but not impossible, for one to be opened near the Loveland Elementary and Primary School Campus.
They are also expanding areas in the city where shooting ranges can be located.
They are imposing no restrictions on how they are operated or constructed, or limitations on the proximity to residences, schools, or other gathering places for children and families no matter which district they are allowed.
Their intent is to allow shooting ranges in Loveland's light industrial zones, including the Loveland Commerce Park and along E. Kemper Road, hoping Symmes Township resident Steven Ling will choose one of these sites instead of near the Loveland schools. In these zones, shooting ranges will become a "Principally Permitted Use", which means that a person can open a range by simply applying for a building permit, and none of Loveland's departments could impose conditions on how the range is constructed or operated other than the normal range of conditions businesses already in those zones have to comply with. Ling has not responded to requests for comment.
Last Tuesday evening the Planing and Zoning Commission approved by a unanimous vote to send their recommendation along to City Council. Council will likely call for a public hearing on the proposal on March 12 at 8 PM, and vote on the changes the same night. The first reading and discussion of the ordinance will be this Tuesday during the regular council meeting that starts at 8 PM.
The Current Code and Proposed Changes
Historic District
Shooting ranges are currently a "Conditional Use" in the Historic District."
They will be outlawed in the Historic District under the current proposal.
Business Retail District
Shooting Ranges are currently a "Principally Permitted" use in the Business Retail District (The area of the Loveland Elementary and Primary School Campus).
Under the proposal they will be allowed as a "Special Exception Land Use."*
Business Cooridor District
Shooting Ranges are currently a "Principally Permitted" use in the Business Corridor District (The area along Loveland Madeira Road near Starbucks, Kings Volkswagen, and Receptions).
Under the proposal they will be a "Conditional Use."
Light Industrial Zone
Shooting ranges are not currently allowed in the Light Industrial Zone.
Under the proposal they will be allowed as a "Principally Permitted" use.
The Sycamore School District's Symmes Elementary School and many residentiaal subdivisions shares a common border with the Loveland Commerce Park.
*Read Zoning Code Special Exception Guidelines:
Download 1111.07 SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS 1
On February 12, City Council voted a 45-day moratorium on issuing any permits for commercial recreation, including shooting ranges.
Shooting ranges will still remain exempt from Loveland's noise law during the daytime.
Read the proposed Ordinance: Download Proposed Shooting Range Ordinance
**Even though the code provides provisions and guidelines for approving "Special Exceptions" for a fast food restaurant, a plant nursery, or a bed and breakfast, neither Council, Planing Commission, or Administration have proposed such if an application is made to open a shooting range in the city. See: 1111.08 SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR EACH SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE.
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