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Willard commission approves conditional use permit for fireworks storage at 850 North Main
Summary
The Willard City Bank commission approved a conditional use permit allowing Austin Sackett of Dragon Dynamite Fireworks to store fireworks containers at about 850 North Main on May 29, 2025, with conditions requiring compliance with ATF rules, possible Willard Fire Department inspection, and observance of city code.
WILLARD — The Willard City Bank commission voted May 29 to approve a conditional use permit allowing Austin Sackett, doing business as Dragon Dynamite Fireworks, to place fireworks storage containers on agricultural property at approximately 850 North Main (parcel 020420014). The permit carries conditions requiring compliance with relevant ATF storage regulations, adherence to Willard city code, and potential inspection by the Willard Fire Department.
Maddie, a city staff member who presented the application, said the request dates back months and that a recent update to the city’s table of uses now permits storage containers on agricultural land if approved through conditional use review. She told the commission that engineers and a community review committee had examined the proposal and that Kevin Lloyd, the county fire marshal, "didn't have any concerns," according to the staff report.
The commission and staff discussed how to phrase permit conditions that rely on federal guidance. An unidentified speaker summarized current ATF thresholds: "Right now, it's 10,000 pounds, gives us that 300 foot barrier. If it has to be smaller than that, go down to 5,000 pounds," which reduces the radius to roughly 230 feet. Commissioners asked staff to include a clear reference or link to the ATF requirements so the permit’s safety conditions follow the federal standard.
Staff also noted that Colt recused himself from the review because of a family relationship to the property owner, and that proposed permit conditions include compliance with ATF requirements, adherence to city code regulations, and allowance for the Willard Fire Department to inspect the site.
Ruth moved to approve the conditional use permit and the chair seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; the chair announced, "So it's approved." The record does not list individual vote tallies.
After the vote, staff requested signatures and confirmed next steps with the applicant. With the permit approved, the applicant is required to follow the listed conditions and any applicable federal and local regulations; staff said they would add or reference the ATF guidance in the permit conditions to make enforcement clear.
The commission adjourned after completing the single-item agenda.
