BZA to hold public hearing on zoning violations of 25-2-CUP QRF Solutions K9 (Russo)
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will hold a public hearing on July 23, 2026 regarding the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for QRF Solutions K9, which operates on the Russo property on Trough Road. This hearing provides an opportunity for Shepherdstown battlefield visitors and local residents negatively impacted by the firing of guns associated with the facility to participate in the zoning process.
Click here to view the original Conditional Use Permit, 25-2-CUP.
What is Happening?
Neighbors in this area believe that the shooting at this business constitutes a zoning violation. In July 2023, QRF Solutions K9 received a variance from the Jefferson County Planning Commission to lift the single residence restriction on the property to allow the operation of a dog training facility (see the minutes from the meeting here). On November 9, 2023, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was granted by the Jefferson County BZA to reduce the setbacks for the dog training kennel from 300 feet to 135 feet and 75 feet on the western and eastern property lines respectively (see the minutes from the meeting here). In January 2025 QRF Solutions K9 received a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) allowing the operation of a gun smithing business (see the minutes from the meeting here). There are several restrictions on the commercial use of the property including that guns associated with this commercial used are only allowed to be tested off-site and on-site testing is limited to barrel testing within a one acre approved area.
Neighbors filed a zoning complaint with the zoning administrator early in 2026. The complaint included use of fire arms during commercial events including high power rounds and hundreds of rounds. In early April of this year, the zoning administrator concluded that no violations of the CUP had occurred. The complainants have appealed this decision to the County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The BZA will hold a public hearing on this appeal on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 2PM. Read the complaint here.
How you can help
If you have been negatively impacted at your home, the battlefield, or in the area by what appears to be the commercial use of fire arms at this property and/or business, you have the opportunity to provide evidence or testimony at the upcoming public hearing.
To send a written public comment, send your email testimony to zoning@jeffcowv.gov and must be received by July 16, 2026 to be included in the packet.
The Foundation is holding an organizational meeting on Friday, July 10 at 7pm at the Train Station in Shepherdstown for those interested in participating in the hearing in support of the complaint.