Planning commission approves home-based firearms business at North Kensington Heights

The Keyesville City Planning Commission on Aug. 28 approved a conditional use permit allowing Alexander Greb to operate Gluten Free Gear LLC, a part‑time, home‑based firearms business, at 1025 North Kensington Heights. The commission’s approval covers the land‑use aspect only; federal and local licensing remains required before sales may begin.

The permit was approved after planning staff told the commission the home occupation is compliant with the city’s zoning rules and recommended approval. "Staff is recommending approval for this conditional use permit, to operate Gluten Free Gear, at 1025 North Kensington Heights," planning staff said. The motion to approve was made by a commissioner who asked not to be named in the transcript and was seconded; the commission voted to approve the application by voice vote.

The applicant, Alexander Greb, said the business would begin as a part‑time venture while he continues work as an engineer for the Air Force at Hill Air Force Base and that he intends to sell mostly online with limited appointments at the home. "I'm an engineer. I work for the Air Force up at Hill Air Force Base," Greb said. He told commissioners he expects to schedule appointments between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and "not more than one at a time." He said sales transfers would generally go through customers' designated Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers and shipping carriers.

Greb said he is applying for a federal manufacturing FFL because he wants the ability to build custom firearms from off‑the‑shelf parts; he described the activity as gunsmithing rather than running a manufacturing shop. "There are different types of FFLs. I'm applying for the manufacturing FFL," he told the commission. Greb also said he already owns heavy gun safes for storage and plans to add another for the business, describing them as "almost a thousand pounds, so super secure, always locked."

Planning staff clarified the steps that remain before retail sales can occur: the conditional use permit authorizes the home‑based use under the city code; a separate business license will not be issued until the Keyesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) complete their reviews. "The conditional use permit...is not required to have the ATF or the FFL license at this time," planning staff said. "The business license will not be issued without approval from the police department and from the ATF."

Commissioners asked about expected customer traffic, appointment procedures and onsite security. One commissioner said the FFL/ATF licensing process typically involves an ATF inspection and that the city informs federal authorities of local approvals. Concerns raised during the discussion focused on limiting walk‑in traffic and ensuring secure storage; Greb and staff said the business model and planned safes address those concerns.

The commission’s approval was for the conditional use permit only; it did not grant a business license or an ATF FFL. Greb was told the city will notify him in writing that the conditional use has been approved and to stay in contact with staff about the licensing steps.

The decision ends the commission’s review of the home occupation conditional use. Further administrative approvals are required before any firearm sales or transfers may occur at the address.