Home based FFL in Mecklenburg County

Magdump

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I'm considering starting a home based FFL in Huntersville just as a very small scale side business selling guns and doing some Cerakoting.

Has anyone successfully applied for and started a home based FFL in Mecklenburg county?

Are there any potential road blocks in Mecklenburg county before I spend money on a lawyer and the application fee?
 
No idea to an answer to your question. But as I'm moving close by I'd for sure be a customer.
 
It's definitely possible. I've used one for several years who is just a couple minutes away, right off Harris Blvd. He has recently moved to Cornelius and his FFL address has been updated based on what I see in the FFL EZ Check.

Heck, isn't Scott (@TARHEELSTATE) considered a home based FFL? It used to be his coffee table, but he's since converted his garage to a shop.
 
I haven't tried in Meck county but it can't be that complicated, right?

I mean, even the BATFE doesn't require an actual store front and if Meck tried to pass an ordinance that blocked a home-based FFL, I'm sure there'd be some flack put up.

This FFL highlighted is based out of a home:

View attachment 69401


Hey I know that guy! he's right around the corner from me.
 
I've known some who tried and got lots of hoops to jump through by the county. I think your big hurdle will be zoning, based on what those folks have told me. If you are in the city limits of Huntersville, I'd start by reading their zoning regs, then talking to their zoning office.
 
Just Friday I was working on the same thing. Spoke with BATFE and asked what I needed to concern myself with. She said zoning would be the top issue. In speaking with my local planning and zoning department (Davidson County), they do not permit any kind of retail transactions to be conducted at a residence. I could run a services business (smithing, refinishing, etc.) but no merchandise sales OR transfers that result in money changing hands. So, in my case, I could get the license but all transactions, (selling or even FFL transfers) would have to occur in another location.

Call your local zoning office.
 
I've known some who tried and got lots of hoops to jump through by the county. I think your big hurdle will be zoning, based on what those folks have told me. If you are in the city limits of Huntersville, I'd start by reading their zoning regs, then talking to their zoning office.

The FFL I use works out of his house here in Huntersville in a residential development. He does transfers in and out for me. I've never purchased a gun from him so I'm not quite sure about that part. But since I pay him for the service there is a transfer of money. Everything is done right inside his house at his dining room table.
 
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To amplify...when the zoning guy told me no exchange of money, I told him "That's fine with me 'cause I ain't letting those yahoos anywhere near my house. We'll be doin' biness in Mickey D's parking lot". He said they have created an official letter to be given to BATFE explaining that a home-based FFL is ok as long as the transactions occur offsite. Apparently they'll personalize this letter and provide a copy if I go down there and give 'em $25.

I'm sure all this varies by county and municipality.
 
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Zoning is revenue collection. They only enforce what you tell them, and what they can see from the road.
“Just Sayin’...”
 
Zoning is revenue collection. They only enforce what you tell them, and what they can see from the road.
“Just Sayin’...”


I agree with you in principle, but BATFE will often call the zoning office as part of your application review. The zoning aspect of getting an FFL is a hard one to get around simply by avoiding it. I included a copy of my zoning permit, which specifically stated it was for an FFL licensed premises, and ATF still called the zoning officer to confirm she signed the permit and knew what it was for.
 
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The FFL I use works out of his house here in Huntersville in a residential development. He does transfers in and out for me. I've never purchased a gun from him so I'm not quite sure about that part. But since I pay him for the service there is a transfer of money. Everything is done right inside his house at his dining room table.


It may be that the City of Huntersville is easier on FFLs than Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, or other municipalities. The guys I know who have had trouble were not in Huntersville.
 
I agree with you in principle, but BATFE will often call the zoning office as part of your application review. The zoning aspect of getting an FFL is a hard one to get around simply by avoiding it. I included a copy of my zoning permit, which specifically stated it was for an FFL licensed premises, and ATF still called the zoning officer to confirm she signed the permit and knew what it was for.
This would explain the $25 letter they offered me. ;)
 
Don't the transactions have to be done at the address of the FFL? Or at an event like a gun show?

I thought we had a discussion on this recently.
 
Don't the transactions have to be done at the address of the FFL? Or at an event like a gun show?

I thought we had a discussion on this recently.
Not sure. In the FFL application there's a box to check if planning to do internet sales. As I understand it, after applying they come to the location for an interview. I'm sure the zoning issue and transacting offsite would come up at that time. Remember, @Geezer said there would be SC FFLs at the October event so I guess off premises must be ok.
 
From the 4473:

Generally, ATF Form 4473 must be completed at the licensed business premises when a firearm is transferred over-the-counter. Federal law, 18 U.S.C. 922(c), allows a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to sell a firearm to a nonlicensee who does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises only if the transferee/buyer meets certain requirements. These requirements are set forth in section 922(c), 27 CFR 478.96(b), and ATF Procedure 2013-2.

IMG_1448.jpg

Question 17. Qualifying Gun Show or Event: As defined in 27 CFR 478.100, a gun show or event is a function sponsored by any national, State, or local organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms, or an organization or association that sponsors functions devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community.

 
The FFL I use works out of his house here in Huntersville in a residential development. He does transfers in and out for me. I've never purchased a gun from him so I'm not quite sure about that part. But since I pay him for the service there is a transfer of money. Everything is done right inside his house at his dining room table.
I'm in a different county, but maybe this is why my FFL neighbor does all his transactions in his front yard around the firepit?
 
Form 4473 must be completed at the licensed business premises when a firearm is transferred over-the-counter.

Transferring it under-the-counter does not require this? :)

Does anyone else find that use of "over-the-counter" wording strange? What is it intended to mean? Without a prescription? :)
 
You might hit a snag if you live in an area zoned such or in a subdivision wherein home based business where you have customers coming and going are not allowed.
 
Success! My FFL license arrived this week. The reason I went through all the hassle of getting an FFL was to be able to keep guns overnight for Cerakote jobs and also be able to receive and ship guns when the customers are not within driving distance. I also obtained my resale ID number from NCDOR and zoning paperwork from the town of Huntersville and Mecklenburg County.

I do not plan to sell or transfer guns in the near term, just concentrating my efforts on bargain priced single color Cerakote application with a very quick turn around time.

My membership here on CFF was upgraded to 'vendor' so I will be advertising some pricing in the next few days. The plan for now is to keep this home based side business small but hopefully it grows in the next few years to the point where I can quit my day job, open a retail space and fill it with inventory and top of the line equipment. Time will tell.

Thanks guys for taking the time to post in this thread. It was very helpful!
 
If you decide to do transfers and order firearms let us locals know.
Success! My FFL license arrived this week. The reason I went through all the hassle of getting an FFL was to be able to keep guns overnight for Cerakote jobs and also be able to receive and ship guns when the customers are not within driving distance. I also obtained my resale ID number from NCDOR and zoning paperwork from the town of Huntersville and Mecklenburg County.

I do not plan to sell or transfer guns in the near term, just concentrating my efforts on bargain priced single color Cerakote application with a very quick turn around time.

My membership here on CFF was upgraded to 'vendor' so I will be advertising some pricing in the next few days. The plan for now is to keep this home based side business small but hopefully it grows in the next few years to the point where I can quit my day job, open a retail space and fill it with inventory and top of the line equipment. Time will tell.

Thanks guys for taking the time to post in this thread. It was very helpful!
 
Are you guys sure about this zoning thing?

I bought from an FFL at his home in Highland Creek (Meck side, not Cabbarus side) before. He was a Charlotte cop.

Edit: Sorry, I should have read the whole thing.

Congrats on the FFL!

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