City Council to Discuss Adding Firearms Sales to the List of Prohibited Home Businesses

Ames city staff and the city manager will recommend that the city add firearms sales to the list of prohibited home businesses at the Ames City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

The planning and zoning commission offered no formal recommendation on adding gun sales to the list of prohibited home occupations at a meeting earlier this month but suggested the city review comments.

The issue arose after a man applied for a home occupancy permit to sell shotguns, rifles and other guns from his home. George Seaton planned to make the sales by appointment only and said he would keep a small amount of guns in a safe inside his home. His permit was approved because it was classified as a retail business, but neighbors have complained and signed a petition stating that they don't want a business in their neighborhood.

The city manager and staff have recommended adding firearms sales to the list of prohibited businesses, according to agenda notes available online.

Animal hospitals, dancing and exercise studios, private clubs, restaurants, stables and kennels, repair or painting of motor vehicles and motorcycles are already on the list of prohibited home occupations.

The council will also discuss whether to approve the preliminary plat for the Deery Subdivision on S.E. 16^th Street. The Deery brothers plan to develop three lots in the area and use one for a car dealership.