Kokomo BZA approves special exception allowing Shooter's Emporium to move to 1825 Plate Street

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Kokomo City Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special-exception application that would allow Shooter's Emporium, operated by Zabo Enterprises LLC, to relocate its retail firearms store to 1825 Plate Street.

The approval, recorded as case P10SE25, was moved and seconded by members of the board and carried on a voice vote. Counsel for the petitioner said the board’s approval would be contingent on a pending rezoning (case P19-Z-25) being completed by the Common Council.

Andrea Townsend, an attorney with Plews, Shadley, Raacher & Braun representing Paul and Melanie Zabo, read findings into the record arguing the proposal would not “interest to public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community.” Townsend told the board the business is a federal and Indiana state licensed firearms dealer, has been located in Kokomo for five years under its current ownership, and that the underlying business (formerly Robbie’s Bullseye Outdoors) has been in Kokomo for about 20 years. She noted the petitioner plans no indoor shooting range at the new site and that existing security systems and safety barriers will be relocated to the Plate Street location.

Townsend also said the Planning Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation on the rezoning request to the Common Council; the council held an initial hearing on Aug. 25 and had a follow-up meeting scheduled for Sept. 8, according to materials submitted to the board.

Paul Zabo, who addressed operational details, said signage for the new location would be handled through a sign company and required permits. He told the board the lease on the petitioner’s current Creekside Drive location expires at the end of the month, making a quick resolution important to the business.

Lisa Stewart, owner and operator of Indiana Behavior Analysis Academy, which operates an applied behavior analysis program for children with autism directly across from the proposed location, testified in public comment that the proximity of a firearms retailer to a playground was “very concerning.” Stewart said, “Parents trust us to find a place that is considered safe and free of harm,” and urged the board to consider the facility’s vulnerable clients.

Board members asked whether the special exception would transfer with the property; counsel said the special exception “goes with the owner,” meaning a future occupant seeking the same use at the old address would have to reapply. Members also discussed enforcement and safety checks by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A board member said the ATF inspects Federal Firearms License holders and would inspect the building as part of a change-of-address process. The petitioner said the business follows ATF standards, has procedures to refuse sales if staff suspect a risk, and would continue such practices at the new site.

The board granted the special exception for case P10SE25, with the record reflecting a voice vote in favor. Counsel noted the board’s decision was intended to be effective only if the Common Council completes the pending rezoning to C-2 for the property.

Next steps: the relocation remains dependent on the Common Council’s final action on rezoning case P19-Z-25. If the council completes rezoning as recommended by the Planning Commission, the petitioner may proceed with relocation and required sign permits; the petitioner indicated the lease timeline gives the matter urgent priority for the business.