Willard approves conditional use permit for Dragon Dynamite fireworks storage near North Main

The Willard City Commission on May 29, 2025, approved a conditional use permit allowing Austin Sackett’s business, Dragon Dynamite Fireworks, to use storage containers for fireworks at a property near 850 North Main (parcel 020420014). The approval included conditions that the operation comply with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requirements, allow inspection by the Willard Fire Department, and follow applicable Willard city code rules and regulations.

City staff told commissioners the application dates to late 2024 and that earlier questions about rezoning were resolved after the city updated its table of uses to permit storage containers on agricultural property when reviewed through the conditional-use process. Staff said engineers reviewed the proposal and that Kevin Lloyd, the county fire marshal, reviewed the project and “didn't have any concerns” at a community review committee meeting. Commissioner Colt recused himself from the matter because he is related to the property owner, the record shows.

The conditions attached to the permit include a requirement that the applicant comply with ATF limits for fireworks storage. The meeting record notes current ATF thresholds discussed: 10,000 pounds, which corresponds to roughly a 300-foot buffer, and a 5,000-pound threshold that would reduce the required buffer to about a 230-foot radius. The commission also required that if a neighboring property proposes development within the 300-foot buffer shown in the applicant's site materials, the applicant must either relocate containers or reduce the quantity of fireworks to meet the relevant ATF standard.

A motion to approve the conditional use permit was made and seconded at the meeting. When asked if there were objections the commission recorded “Aye,” and the presiding official declared the motion approved. The record indicates the approval was granted with the conditions described; the transcript does not supply a roll-call vote or a numeric tally in the minutes.

The agenda packet and staff summary note that Austin Sackett first applied several months earlier and that the item was reopened for consideration after the city’s land-use table was revised. The property is currently farmed, according to staff remarks during the discussion. The applicant completed the required community review process and will be subject to the stated inspections and compliance checks before full operation as described in the motion.

The commission adjourned following the vote. The transcript shows the applicant signed required paperwork after approval and staff noted that the permittee should follow up with the city for final signatures and inspections.