City considers action on backyard shooting
by Brent Shrum, Kootenai Valley Record
May 28, 2008
Libby city officials are weighing their options after receiving a letter signed by a number of area residents regarding about noise and safety issues associated with a backyard shooting range on private property just outside the city limits.
“It’s illegal to discharge a firearm inside the city, period,” Mayor Tony Berget said during a city council meeting last Tuesday. “When you look at the tight-knit houses inside the city, it’s obvious why that’s a bad thing.”
The city does have the ability to impose regulations in a “doughnut” area extending four miles from the city limits, Berget pointed out. He said the matter is a “slippery slope,” though, because while the city wants to respect property owners’ rights it also needs to be concerned about public safety.
Berget noted that it seems like the specific case that brought the matter to the city’s attention is being worked out informally among neighbors.
“But just because we’ve solved this one doesn’t solve the issue,” he said.
Berget suggested the formation of an advisory group of concerned citizens to work with council members to develop a proposal.
Councilwoman Charlene Leckrone asked if the city could act unilaterally to extend regulations outside city limits without the cooperation of county government.
“It would be good if they cooperated, but I think the city can do it on their own,” said Councilman Bill Bischoff.
City Attorney Charles Evans read a state law protecting established shooting ranges from being closed or moved without compensation unless they are proven to present a safety hazard and exempting ranges from noise ordinances. Council members question whether a backyard range would meet the criteria for protection under the law.
The council agreed to hand the matter over to a committee for further research.
“It’s the first time it’s come up for us, but it’s the tip of an iceberg,” Berget said.
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Editor’s Note: See the May 26, 2008 edition of the Kootenai Valley Record for the printed version of this story. The Kootenai Valley Record publishes once a week, on Monday, in Libby, Montana. They are a locally owned community newspaper, located at 403 Mineral Avenue in Libby. For in-county and out-of-county subscription information, call 406-293-2424, or e-mail kvrecord@gmail.com.
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