Planning Commission recommends approval for retail firearms store; applicant outlines hours and licensing

The Smyth County Planning Commission voted unanimously (6–0, one absent) May 28 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a special-use permit for a retail store operated by Brian Karriker at 1220 South Fork Road (Tax Map No. 67-A-150B).

At the joint public hearing, Zoning Administrator Becca Creasy said the applicant's prior home-occupation permit (2019) had expanded into a larger accessory building requiring special-use consideration and several code items to be corrected. Commissioner Robert Campbell and others asked about safety and operations. Mr. Karriker said he holds ATF licensing with multiple classifications, will sell firearms and ammunition but would not sell powder or reloading equipment in-store (he said he could order items for customers to pick up promptly). He stated there would be no shooting at the business; a private makeshift range exists farther on the property but is not part of his operation. He also said he maintains alarm subscription service and cameras for security and listed store hours (6–9 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturdays).

No citizens signed up to speak at the hearing. After reviewing the application and file, Commissioner David Buchanan Jr. moved that the application met Article 6-2.3 standards; the motion passed and the Commission recommended approval to the Board. The Board has not recorded a final decision on the permit in the meeting minutes; the Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded for Board action.