Quote History Quoted:
Historically the ATF doesn't issue the FFL if zoning prohibits transfers on the premises or your HOA CCR's prohibit home-based businesses.
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I think this is purely depending which IOI you get and where. Mine could have cared less about the local law.
My original IOI just said I had to have it done within 30days of approval and she was even with a supervisor when they came for my appt.
When I moved I got a different IOI for the change of address and she didn't even care. Now this could be because our town doesn't have any restrictions on firearms businesses on commercial zoned Properties but who knows.
Also OP I'm not sure where you heard the Atf frowns on online sales/trade shows / gun shows etc?
My city has no restrictions on firearm businesses when you are in commercial. There's a bunch of home based FFL/ and manufacturers in my town. Our city doesn't even issue business licenses. Only time they do is for like, strip club, liquor store and a few other businesses that need police approval because of crime stats.
Not that I recommend it but you could get your FFL approved and not do retail sales at your home. I've seen a few licensees who get their FFL with this "restriction" and carry on business in their own way however they do I don't know. I know HOA is tough. Most do allow home based businesses but if your IOI requires a clearance from them and you need to have it specific for firearm sales I don't see any HOA doing that. HOAs suck.
There was an article in the news a while back about a neighboring town and a home based FFL had applied but it had to go thru city planning but they approved it. Even after a bunch of Pansy housewives complained saying it was dangerous n some other ridiculous crap.
The applicant was actually a vet too.