Plymouth BZA denies special use request for home-based firearms business

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) voted to deny a request for a Special Use Exception that would have allowed a home-based firearms manufacturing and sales business on the city's north side.

During the April 7th meeting, Michael Fuentes of 1216 North Center Street presented his proposal to operate a Type 07 Federal Firearms License (FFL) business from his residence. The license would authorize him to manufacture, assemble, buy, and sell firearms and parts online, including National Firearms Act (NFA) items such as silencers.

Fuentes explained to the board that the business would operate strictly online without a traditional storefront or customer pickups. While neighbors might notice an increase in delivery trucks, no ammunition would be stored or sold initially. To comply with ATF regulations, Fuentes stated he would designate a specific, locked room solely for building and storing the firearms, which would also be secured in gun safes with individual locks. Fuentes noted he has experience of building guns but is new to selling them.

While Fuentes outlined future expansion plans that included engraving, selling ammunition, and cerakoting firearms, the proposal faced significant pushback during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Neighbor Kathy Sellers expressed concerns about the safety of children and families in the area, fearing the presence of a firearms business might attract undesirable individuals to the neighborhood. Bruce Hollet, a resident of Manor Drive, raised environmental and health concerns regarding the hazardous chemicals and fumes associated with the proposed cerakoting process.

Georgia Chez, an adjacent neighbor, argued that Fuentes's current property maintenance reflected a disregard for community standards. She presented photos to the BZA showing accumulations of trash, vehicle parts, and debris, expressing doubt that the business would be operated safely.

In response to the property complaints, Fuentes acknowledged that his yard "needs a lot of work," explaining that he works full-time while navigating the challenges of being a single parent and caring for his elderly mother. He also emphasized his own commitment to safety, noting he has children and grandchildren living in the home. He explained that securing the special use exception was only the first step in a rigorous ATF licensing process that includes mandatory classes.

Following the discussion, the BZA voted 4-1 to deny the special use exception. Board members Brandon Richie, Jack Garner, Mark Gidley, and Paul Wendel voted against the measure, with Art Jacobs casting the lone vote in favor of the request.