Latah County commission OKs outdoor firing range

MOSCOW, Idaho – The Latah County Zoning Commission in North Idaho has approved a conditional-use permit for an ammunition maker to build an outdoor firing range after determining the county can’t impose stricter noise limits than Idaho code.

The commission approved the project by PNW Arms on Wednesday over concerns from neighbors, the Lewiston Tribune reported. Company officials said the range will likely be built next year to U.S. Air Force standards intended to prevent projectiles from escaping.

An attorney told the commission that Idaho code specifies firing ranges can have noise at 64 decibels, and that the code prevents local governments from creating more stringent standards. The company said it wants to build the outdoor range and use it for law enforcement training and demonstrations of the company’s ammunition.

Charles Liptaak of PNW Arms told commissioners that the company performed a test at the potential firing range about three-quarters of a mile south of the company’s factory in Potlatch. He said measurements found the sound was 61.2 decibels at the range and 54.9 decibels at the nearest house.

He said that was a little lower than traffic passing on U.S. Highway 95.

But three neighbors told commissioners they don’t hear traffic on the highway, but notice the shots.

Liptaak said the range will include a three-sided structure that will contain some noise, and that the range will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.