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Commission approves SUP amendment to allow on‑site firearm manufacturing at Shoot Smart, limited to in‑house use
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amendment to a specific use permit at 2440 West Main Street to add firearm manufacturing (gunsmithing/assembly) as an allowed use limited to in‑house operations for range use; staff tied the approval to compliance with an operational plan (Exhibit B) and applicable ATF/FFL requirements.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously July 28 to amend the specific use permit for Shoot Smart (2440 West Main Street) to add firearm manufacturing as an allowed, narrowly defined use for on‑site gunsmithing and assembly intended for in‑house/range use and not for public sale.
Savannah, planning staff, explained that the facility has an existing SUP for public firing, training and retail of firearms and munitions. Staff said the applicant provides gunsmithing services and that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) defines assembly and modification of firearms as manufacturing. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the manufacturing operations comply with the operational plan in Exhibit B.
Applicant David Holcomb told the commission the business has manufactured eight firearms over the last six years, most of which remain in use at the range; he said the facility holds a federal firearms license (FFL) and conducts required background checks and transfers. Holcomb said the shop converted to a Type 7 FFL in 2019 to enable manufacturing and that FFL renewals are every three years.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about ATF guidance and licensing; staff noted recent ATF guidance broadened the definition of manufacturing to include some modifications. Vice Chair John Fedorco moved to approve the SUP amendment with the DRC recommendation; Commissioner Angela Lucky Vaughn seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The amendment adds firearm manufacturing to the SUP but ties it to operations described in Exhibit B; compliance with federal licensing (FFL) and ATF rules remains the applicant’s responsibility.
