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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2022 6 <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Coffey reported he has used an FFL in the past to purchase a gun online and he had to go to <br />the home to fill out the paperwork and take possession of the weapon. He noted this was in a <br />residential neighborhood in Blaine. He questioned if the process had changed. He asked if the <br />work space for the home business was being done in a three season porch. He believed that this <br />was not a secure workspace. <br /> <br />There being no additional comment Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums requested the applicant respond to the questions that were raised by the neighbors. <br /> <br />Mr. Spicer described the “how-to” videos he posts online. He discussed how he would only be <br />conducting online sales and the product gets shipped to another local FFL certified business for <br />handling of paperwork and pickup. He explained shipment of firearms can only be done between <br />two registered FFL’s. He explained background checks would then be handled by that local FFL. <br />He reported his address would not be shared with purchasers. He commented his workshop was <br />located in the basement, on the interior of the three season porch. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums asked if firearms were delivered directly to the applicants home. <br /> <br />Mr. Spicer reported UPS and FedEx deliver firearms only to FFL license holders and signatures <br />are required. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber questioned if the applicant would allow people to bring guns to him for <br />maintenance and cleaning. <br /> <br />Mr. Spicer explained he amended his proposal so as not to have this type of gunsmithing coming <br />to him. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums asked if there was a robbery in the applicants home in 2018. <br /> <br />Mr. Spicer stated there was not. He went on to state that he understands this was a sensitive <br />subject for his neighbors. He indicated in one of his conversations with a neighbor he explained <br />he would be willing to discuss the negative concerns and may have to adjust what he was doing <br />with his business. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber commented he paid a lot of money in property taxes as a homeowner and <br />anticipated that renters were contributing to property taxes as well through their rent. He noted he <br />did have concerns about issuing a CUP to an applicant that was renting a home, especially for <br />this type of use, knowing that he could move away and the CUP would remain in place. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums questioned if the owner of the home understood what type of business would be <br />operating out of the home. <br /> <br />Mr. Spicer stated the property owner was fully aware of his proposal. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber inquired if the property owner had to sign off on the CUP proposal or <br />require a notary.