City denying FFL based on "inventory"

[djbooya]

Not that this will make you feel any better, but I'm in a similar situation as you. The difference is:

1) I obtained everything needed including the local business permit with "valid for retail sales" on it
2) after submitting again for my CFD I received a response that I needed to obtain a local permit from the PD in my area which is what I'm waiting on approval for now.
3) I'm not doing business at home, but in a commercial zone, but was confronted with similar stock questions when I applied for my local business permits (which in my area required a special "conditional use permit").

#2 wasn't a requirement for the feds, but is a requirement for CA DOJ, unfortunately. This may be what they're saying you need from your local PD. I sent in all the paperwork my PD needed last week and am waiting for their response. Fortunately, since they were part of my city permit inspection I shouldn't have to wait too long. Then I'm back to submit for my CFD and hopefully then will be in business.

I was doing everything required by the DOJ (See below) and even spoke with the firearms division regarding the duplicity of #4 and 5. The DOJ looked it up and advised me that the "City" permit was the standard and nothing needed from PD.

When I went to get the City business license, they advised me there was "another step" that required the PD approve it prior to the issuance of the license. (Nowhere is this written). Thus I am were I am now.

The very first step I did was go to the permit center and ensure this was possible, I had to talk with the supervisor and explain the "no inventory" philosophy. They concurred and provided with permit for "special order, transfer and repair of firearms from a home occupied business", and only then I proceeded with everything else.

What would be the issue if I was only going to gunsmith? The same FFL applies.

California firearms dealers must obtain and maintain the following:

1. A valid FFL,
2. A valid Seller's Permit issued by the State Board of Equalization,
3. A valid COE issued by the DOJ,
4. Any regulatory business license, or licenses, required by local government,
5. A local license granted by the duly constituted licensing authority, valid for one year from the date of issuance, and in one of the following forms:
1. In the form prescribed by the Attorney General;
2. A regulatory or business license that states on its face, "Valid for Retail Sales of Firearms" and endorsed by the signature of the issuing authority; or
3. A letter from the licensing authority stating that the jurisdiction does not require any form of regulatory or business license or does not otherwise restrict or regulate the sale of firearms. After obtaining the above licenses, an Application for Centralized List and appropriate fees are submitted to the DOJ. Upon approval of the application, the dealer will be given a CFD number and placed on the Centralized List of firearms dealers.
6. A listing on the DOJ Centralized List of Firearms Dealers.

[Capt. Speirs]

I just got my CFD # today, and it is a home business way less than 1000 ft from a public school. The city was the only one that was a stickler on issuing me a permit. Spent quite a bit of time on the phone and in person to get the permit. Once I had the permit the Feds and The State had no issues with it. I even have a High Capacity Magazine permit.

[CenterX]

Maybe they want you to hire a local attorney within their sphere of associates, then based on representation it all works out.
Is the PD supposed to ensure you have fort knox style security?
I gave up once I found out I'd have to get all 7 of my local neighbors to agree - most are modern day liberals so there ya go.
Good Luck

[Capt. Speirs]

Maybe they want you to hire a local attorney within their sphere of associates, then based on representation it all works out.
Is the PD supposed to ensure you have fort knox style security?
I gave up once I found out I'd have to get all 7 of my local neighbors to agree - most are modern day liberals so there ya go.
Good Luck

[MrToyMan]

I am slao thinking of doing the exact same thing (getting a FFL, Special Order Only and Transfers) but my city has a condition for Home Occupation/Business " No customers may come to the home occupation residence. All in-person contact must take place at an off-site location such as the customer's residence or place of business.

Does this mean i am out of luck or is there another way to go around this requirement ?

[JandJArmory]

Hey folks, I've been going through the process to obtain my FFL, but am doing so for a home-based business. I only intend to market to a select clientele and do special orders, transfers and some minor repair work.

I obtained a home business permit, fictitious name, COE, tax ID, Sellers permit, and handgun safety instructor. Purchased a safe, installed an alarm, including placing contacts in the safe and sent my FFL application.

I forwarded a cop to the Chief of Police and Sheriff (courtesy only) and was denied by the City for the following:

-Not in a commercial area
-Too close to a school.

The municipal code state they follow DOJ regulations. So the decision is based on their unwritten rules.

After talking with the Chief's office, they are hung up on having inventory in the home, although it would only be special order and transfers.

Any thoughts or suggestions, other than go commercial or give up.

Thanks

Talk to CAPT Spears. He got one for his home. His post is in New in the FFL forum. Check it out ask him. He knows the ropes.

[JandJArmory]

I don't remember getting permission from the local poilice. Once I received my business permit which stated I was properly zoned, I was good to go.

That sounds like the problem here, you might not be properly zoned. Even in my conservative town, they don't like home based businesses. It isn't about guns, it was about traffic and hours of operation.

Its up to the city. We needed to get a licence from Santa Ana PD to sell firearms in the city. One of the detectives comes out and looks at your FFL and CFD# and issues a permit. There is cost involved and it needs to be renewed every year.

Its up to the city that your FFL is in if they require it. So your PD may not require it and is why you didnt need to go through that process.