Location Question

[shetlan]

I'm looking into getting an FFL, and I have two questions relating to locations.

1: Beyond zoning, is there a reason I couldn't open a retail gun store in an office building (assuming I have proper fixtures to secure the weapons)? Office suites are a lot cheaper than even a small storefront.

2: I want to get a Class 7 FFL so I can manufacture a modified version of the MAC for general sale.
I saw an ATF FAQ page that said you don't need a separate license for a retail store and a storage location for the store; but I can't find anything that specifies whether or not I need a separate license for a manufacturing location and a retail store owned by the same company.

In other words, If my manufacturing location and my retail locations are in different places, do I need two licenses or are they both covered by the Class 7 FFL.

I sent a letter to the ATF asking these questions, but I figured someone here might get me the answer faster.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

The only additional restriction I can think of for operating out of an office building besides zoning would be possible restrictions the owner of the office building might have.


Federally, you need a separate license for each location at which licensed activity will take place. There is an exception for storage facilities and an exception for sales at gun shows in your own State.

[jtmkinsd]

"Business parks" are ideal for this...and are generally easier to get approval for manufacturing. Most of the spaces have an office-like area which could serve as the retail side, and a "shop" area for the manufacturing side. Traditional office buildings usually shy away from manufacturing operations. Not to mention you'd be hard pressed to find an office building able to meet your electrical needs.

[shetlan]

The only additional restriction I can think of for operating out of an office building besides zoning would be possible restrictions the owner of the office building might have.

I know one of the management companies won't have a problem with me running a gun shop in the building, but they weren't sure it was legal. The other is really short on tenants, so if it's legal, they would likely be alright with it as well.

Federally, you need a separate license for each location at which licensed activity will take place. There is an exception for storage facilities and an exception for sales at gun shows in your own State.

Okay, so separate licenses for each location where "Licensed Activity" is taking place, since storing weapons doesn't require a license there's no need for one at a storage location; but manufacturing does.

So I'll need one Class 7 for the manufacturing location and one Class 1 for the retail location.

"Business parks" are ideal for this...and are generally easier to get approval for manufacturing. Most of the spaces have an office-like area which could serve as the retail side, and a "shop" area for the manufacturing side.

Part of the idea is to avoid a business park where manufacturing and retail sit side by side.

Around here, there are tons of empty areas like the one you're describing, largely because the rents are incredibly inflated.

A cheap one in my area runs $2500 a month for 3000 sq ft. combination warehouse/retail space. The tenants of these parks seem to be in and out every few months.

On the other hand, I can get a 1500sq ft warehouse space in a cheaper area for $800 a month - since the manufacturing location doesn't need to have prime real estate. Then I can get a 400sq ft office space for $500, which will serve as the retail location.

Even if I need dual licenses, the savings should be upwards of $1000 a month.

Traditional office buildings usually shy away from manufacturing operations. Not to mention you'd be hard pressed to find an office building able to meet your electrical needs.

There wouldn't be any manufacturing in the office building - that's why the question of separate licenses for the manufacturing and retail locations was asked.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

...So I'll need one Class 7 for the manufacturing location and one Class 1 for the retail location...

This might sound trivial, but get in the habit of not using the terms "Type" and "Class" interchangeably when it comes to FFLs. ATF uses both terms in regards to FFLs, but they mean different things.

You want to get Type 07 and Type 01 FFLs. ATF uses the word "Class" to distinguish between the different "Special Occupational Taxes" that some FFLs pay in order to import, manufacture or deal in NFA firearms. So a "Class 1" FFL could be a Type 08 FFL who has a Class 1 SOT.