Kyle City Council votes to allow firing ranges in entertainment zoning district

The Kyle City Council voted 6-1 July 19 to amend the entertainment zoning district to allow indoor firing ranges as interest in developing a range along the I-35 corridor has increased, according to agenda documents. Prior to the amendment, indoor firing ranges were only allowed in the warehouse zoning district, which is not allowed along the corridor.

Mayor Travis Mitchell voted against the item as he believes warehouse is the appropriate zoning for ranges.

On July 12, the Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the amendment to council.

The council expressed interest in a fire range within the city as many said they travel to Austin or other neighboring cities to practice.

"I visit the range every chance I get in South Austin, and it's a great controlled setting; it has instructors there that are going to teach you the proper use of a firearm and, with so many people picking up firearms for the first time, it's great to have a setting where people can learn how to use and store those properly. For me, it's a safety plus for us," Council Member Robert Rizo said.

Council Member Michael Tobias asked if there are already parties interested in building an indoor firing range in the city; however, Interim Director of Planning Will Atkinson said there is not anyone specific yet.