Planning commission recommends conditional-use permit for Eagle Distribution gunsmithing operation

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit CUP-026-16 for Eagle Distribution LLC to operate gunsmithing and related limited industrial equipment in an existing flex-space unit in the City of Eagle. The recommendation follows a staff report outlining equipment, safety controls and conditions limiting the permit to Michael Khan and Eagle Distribution LLC.

Applicant Michael Khan described the proposed operation as "a little, basically, warehouse that is going to house distribution for firearms along with the gunsmithing equipment needed for light customization." He told commissioners the work would include Cerakote coating, light sandblasting, a curing oven and a paint booth with HEPA filtration. Khan said the compressor proposed is a 7.5-horsepower, 80-gallon unit that "runs at almost a conversation level" and that the oven is "completely enclosed, sealed," so "No vapors will be coming from the oven." He also said the business is a wholesale distributor that sells to dealers and works with a third party ("Agency Arms") to provide customized pistols that are then shipped to dealers.

Planning staffer Haley Durham summarized the staff recommendation and zoning determination, saying the proposed equipment fits the "industry custom" and "industry limited" conditional uses in the mixed-use zone and thus required a CUP. Durham noted the recently constructed building will not be modified for this use and that parking was already adequate: 16 spaces required and 39 provided. She told the commission that staff’s recommended conditions would make the CUP specific to Mr. Khan and Eagle Distribution LLC so any future tenant proposing similar equipment would have to seek a permit modification.

Commissioner Smith moved to recommend CUP-026-16 for approval, citing the staff report and the site-specific conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission indicated approval. The record does not include a detailed roll-call tally in the transcript, and staff informed the applicant that he was cleared to proceed under the approved conditions. The commission’s recommendation means the permit will move forward according to the process set by city staff and the conditions summarized in the staff report.

The staff report and recommended conditions (staff referenced pages 4 and 14) remain the operative framework for the use. The applicant said the gunsmithing area will occupy roughly 150–200 square feet inside a larger distribution/warehouse unit. Durham also noted the permit would continue to apply even if unit numbers change during the condominiumization process; any change of tenant proposing gunsmithing equipment would require a separate review.