Warren County residents will have to wait until at least January 2027 to learn whether the New Pioneer Gun Club will face penalties for continuing operations after a judge revoked the zoning change that permitted the club to function in an agricultural area.
Background on the rezoning dispute
In October 2025 the Warren County Board of Supervisors rezoned four parcels from agricultural to commercial use to accommodate the New Pioneer Gun Club. Nearby landowners objected, citing noise that could be heard inside homes even with windows closed. Susan King, a homeowner about a mile from the club, told the board, “You can hear it inside your home with the windows closed, and it goes on every single day.”
Landowners argued the rezoning constituted illegal spot zoning because the parcels were surrounded by farmland and the change conflicted with the county’s comprehensive plan. King emphasized that the issue was not about gun rights but about the club’s location, asking, “Put it with like‑minded businesses… What about in a high industrial area where there’s not homes and farmers and young families nearby?”
County’s justification
County officials defended the rezoning as a legitimate policy choice that could boost recreation, youth shooting sports, tourism and economic development. They noted the parcels lie near a growth corridor and fifteen other commercially zoned parcels, arguing the club was not an isolated commercial use.
Judge overturns rezoning
In August 2025 a judge sided with the landowners, voiding the rezoning and returning the parcels to agricultural status. The ruling clarified that private gun clubs and outdoor shooting ranges may operate in the agricultural district only with a special‑use permit.
Following the decision, the county issued a notice of violation to New Pioneer for continuing to operate without the required permit. The club appealed the notice to the Board of Adjustment and also filed a motion to be added to the landowners’ lawsuit, arguing that the ruling directly affects its property and operations.
Club’s proposed amendment
New Pioneer submitted a proposed amendment that would make outdoor shooting ranges a permitted use in agricultural districts, provided they meet specific standards. The draft includes requirements for a site plan, keeping projectiles on club property, noise mitigation, safety and lead‑management plans, and limits on shooting hours. The club says the proposal would reduce duplicate local reviews and comply with state law.
Landowner Sarah Hoover, also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, offered a conditional‑use proposal that would keep shooting ranges in agricultural areas but require public review and notice to nearby property owners, along with standards to address impacts on homes and surrounding land.
Board of Appeals postpones hearing
On Thursday, the Warren County Board of Appeals convened to consider the club’s appeal. Although a quorum was present, only three of the five members attended, prompting the board to continue the item. The board scheduled a new hearing for Jan. 14, 2027.
At a Nov. 12 hearing, the club asked the Board of Adjustment to postpone its appeal while the broader issues proceed. The board agreed to the continuation.
Landowners react
Landowners expressed disappointment with the delay. One participant noted that a board member had recused themselves due to a conflict of interest, raising concerns that the full board might never be present. The board has asked the county council to research procedures for moving forward if that member cannot ethically participate.
In a statement to KCCI, the landowners said, “Clearly, we are disappointed. It has been almost three months since a judge’s ruling to cease and desist and it appears we will be waiting longer.”
What’s next?
The county’s planning and zoning department has not recommended either the club’s amendment or the landowners’ conditional‑use proposal. Both proposals will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday for further consideration.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
