FFL Question

[David LaPell]

I have a question for guys who know about FFL's. (I treid going on BATFE's website and ended up more confused than when I started). I would someday like to get my FFL, the question I have is this. My wife and I are looking at a home, and the basement has been essentially turned into an apartment. Can you get an FFL for something in your home, or does it have to be a separate building, away from the home?

 

[David LaPell]

I have a question for guys who know about FFL's. (I treid going on BATFE's website and ended up more confused than when I started). I would someday like to get my FFL, the question I have is this. My wife and I are looking at a home, and the basement has been essentially turned into an apartment. Can you get an FFL for something in your home, or does it have to be a separate building, away from the home?

 

[Firehouse]

You can do it in the home. I have a shop out behind my house that I work out of. I don't have a Main St. storefront business as I live in an exceptionally rural area. It shouldn't be a problem as far as the BATFE is concerned. You do need to look into area zoning laws and your business license division. The area you live in may not allow a retail gun business on the premises. If it's residential zoned only then you may not be able to obtain the proper business licenses to operate a retail business that is required of the BATFE. Hope that helps.

 

[David LaPell]

I know according to my area where it will be zoned considers what I want to do an "accessory use" to the residential home with no permit required as long as it doesn't change the residential area itself, has no more than two employees (only have one, me), and has no more than two signs 5 feet or less in size (and none illuminated). Like Firehouse, it is a very rural area and I just want a little shop with a few guns here and a little shop, and have an FFL so I can attend a couple of the local shows as a dealer and sell a few things.

 

[OKFC05]

There are some issues with store hours and inspections that you might want to discuss with ATF before you apply. Do you want to have store hours for your house and subject the whole thing to inspection, or would you rather have your business stock located in a separate building?
While it is possible to have a "kitchen table" business, several people have told me they would not do it that way again.

 

[Guest]

David;

I'd check with your local PD or SO to see what special regulations you'll need to meet but Yes, you can become a 'Closet FFL'. This change took place, very quietly, when DHS took over BATFE a few years ago. If you want to send me an email to my address in my profile I can give you a few more thoughts on the subject.

 

[NKJ nut]

As long as there is no zoning restriction you can operate out of your house. Frankly I would not want to for privacy reasons.

We operate out of a separate building. The customers have no access to any part of our residence including the bathroom. If customers have access to any part of your home the ATF has access to all of it. I am sure most of us don't have anything to hide but it is an invasion of privacy that you accept by doing a firearms business from your home.

Also you must list business hours on the application to qualify for an FFL and you have to express an interest in actually making a profit. Some people want to get an FFL just to aid in acquiring guns for their own use. Frankly it is not worth the hassle unless you actually do want to do business.