Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/06/2014

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Regular Planning Commission 5. 2. Meeting Date: 03/06/2014 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Resolutions #14-03-044 & #14-03-045: Consider Request for a Home Occupation Permit to Operate a Gunsmith Business at 15531 Zirconium St NW; Case of Russell Beech Purpose/Background: On January 31, 2014, the City received an application for a Home Occupation Permit to operate a gunsmith business in the dwelling and a portion of the attached garage on the property located at 15531 Zirconium St NW (the "Subject Property"). A component of the proposed home -based business appears to operate beyond the general and administrative Home Occupation Permit thresholds and thus, the request needs to be reviewed by both the Planning Commission and City Council. Notification: City Staff attempted to notify all Property Owners within 350 feet of the Public Hearing. A Public Notice was also advertised in the Anoka Union, the City's official newspaper. Observations/Alternatives: The Applicant is seeking a Home Occupation Permit to operate a gunsmith business out of his home and attached garage on the Subject Property. The business would consist of assembly, fabrication and sales of custom and catalog firearms and accessories as well as firearms transfers and repairs. Much of the customer interaction would be through the internet, phone and off -site; however, there will also be some customers that travel to the Subject Property for services. All firearms on the Subject Property would be stored in a locked gun cabinet or as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). The bulk of the business would be conducted in the basement of the dwelling; however, a small portion of the attached garage would also be used for storage of materials and supplies and will also house some equipment used in the business operation as well. The fabrication, assembly and repair of firearms will include light machining with a metal -working lathe and mill as well as hand work with files and sandpaper. Materials affiliated with the business would include metal stock, such as aluminum and steel, and supplies would include items such as towels, too bits, cutting fluids and lubricants, and spray finishes. These are the items that would be stored in the attached garage. The Applicant has also indicated that he would be utilizing a commercial bullet trap, which is a device that can be used to test fire firearms to check for functionality. This device would be located in the basement of the dwelling, against a concrete foundation wall. The Applicant has stated that this would be a fairly infrequent activity, but one that is critical to ensure a firearm is functioning properly. This component has been reviewed by the Police Chief, who has responded that the bullet trap will provide adequate safety and noise mitigation. It is noted that this system may not completely mitigate all sound, but will greatly reduce to acceptable levels, if any noise is heard at all. The Applicant will need to obtain a Federal Firearms License prior to commencing the business operation. However, the BATF will not consider the application until the Applicant can provide proof of a Home Occupation Permit. The Applicant has stated that the business hours would be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment only. Any deviation from the standard weekday hours would be by appointment only.