§ 14-1-101 - Sport shooting ranges and sports facilities. - Arkansas Statutes

14-1-101. Sport shooting ranges and sports facilities.

(a) A sport shooting range or sports facility that is not in violation of a state law or an ordinance of a local unit of government prior to the enactment of a new ordinance of a local unit of government affecting the range or facility may continue to operate even if, at or after the time of enactment of the new ordinance affecting the range or facility, the operation is not in compliance with the new ordinance.

(b) No new ordinance of a local unit of government shall prohibit a sport shooting range or sports facility that is in existence on August 12, 2005, from doing any of the following within its existing geographic boundaries:

(1) Repairing, remodeling, or reinforcing any building or improvement as may be necessary in the interest of public safety or to secure the continued use of the building or improvement;

(2) (A) Reconstructing, repairing, rebuilding, or resuming the use of a facility or building damaged by fire, collapse, explosion, act of nature, or act of war occurring after August 12, 2005.

(B) The reconstruction, repair, or rebuilding shall be completed within one (1) year following the date of the damage or settlement of any property damage claim. If reconstruction, repair, or rebuilding is not completed within one (1) year, the reconstruction, repair, or rebuilding may be terminated in the discretion of the local unit of government;

(3) Expanding or enhancing its membership or opportunities for public participation; or

(4) Reasonably expanding or increasing facilities or activities.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, this section shall not prohibit a local unit of government from regulating the location and construction of a sport shooting range or sports facility.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "Local unit of government" means a county, city of the first class, city of the second class, or incorporated town;

(2) "New ordinance" also includes an ordinance or an amendment to an existing ordinance;

(3) "Sport shooting range" means an area designed and operated for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting; and

(4) (A) "Sports facility" means a baseball field, basketball court, gymnasium, golf course, soccer field, swimming pool, tennis court, or other facility for recreational sports.

(B) "Sports facility" does not include a facility for go-carts, motorcycles, motor vehicles, or other motorized conveyances.