§ 10-550. General regulations for ranges.

(a)

Buildings containing ranges shall have walls, ceilings and floors that are either impenetrable to the bullets of the firearms being used within it, or have internal baffling built so that the bullets cannot hit the walls or ceilings. Provisions shall also be made to stop glancing bullets or particles of bullets at the sides of the target area. Specifications must be included with the application.

(b)

A system of ventilation shall be installed within the range in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA").

(c)

The range shall be so constructed and insulated that the discharge of firearms within it shall not disturb persons outside the premises. The discharge of firearms shall be deemed to constitute a disturbance if the noise level exceeds sixty-five decibels (65 dBA) at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more from the building containing the range. Sound measurements shall be made with a sound level meter.

(d)

Hearing protection which fully cover the shooters' ears will be provided by the range and made available for all shooters or other persons in the firing area.

(e)

There shall be one (1) instructor for each six (6) firing points in use. All instructors will be required to be certified by the National Rifle Association or similar organization satisfactory to the city. The owner of the range shall require personnel, instructors and attendants to be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(f)

No person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall be permitted to enter a range unless accompanied by an adult.

(g)

No weapons other than handguns with a rating equal to or less than ATI Class 1 500 Mag or e rifles with a rating equal to or less than ATI Class 2 300 Win Mag shall be allowed on the premises. All weapons brought into the range shall be in a case designed for the weapons so that no part of the weapon will be visible. Certified law enforcement officers are exempt from the provisions of this article.

(h)

Loaded weapons shall only be allowed in the firing area of the range and shall not be permitted in any other place inside the building or premises or within the property boundaries outside the building; except as otherwise provided for by Georgia law.

(i)

Not more than one (1) person shall shoot from a firing point at one (1) time. All of the persons except instructors must stand behind the firing point. No person shall be allowed in front of a firing point at any time during operating hours except instructors and/or employees and law enforcement officers.

(j)

An emergency system shall be installed within each range, capable of alerting the people on the range to stop firing immediately.

(k)

It shall be unlawful for any person operating a range to permit any person or persons to bring any alcoholic beverages on the premises of any range, or to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises or to permit alcoholic beverages to be left at any place on the premises. It shall also be unlawful for any person operating a range to permit any intoxicated person to be or remain in the premises of a range.

(l)

It shall be unlawful for any person operating a range to permit any form of gambling or wagering.

(m)

It shall be the responsibility of the licensee or instructor to brief patrons concerning the rules and regulations in the range before they are permitted to use the firing range. The licensee shall keep posted in a conspicuous place inside the building and outside the building a sign stating the rules and regulations of the range.

(n)

All ranges shall be subject to all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

(o)

The above rules are required to be posted in an area open and visible to the public.

(Ord. No. 08-16, § 1, 4-7-16)