Ames Commission Allows In-Home Gun Sales, While Law Forbids Home Dance Classes

Don't worry, your home gun sales are still legal.

The Ames Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday decided not to recommend to City Council adding firearms dealing to the list of prohibited home occupations, the Ames Tribune reported.

But there will be no in-home animal operations, dancing or exercise classes, stables or auto repair. Those businesses are already on the list of prohibited home businesses, according to the commission's agenda notes.

The issue arose because an Ames man has been selling guns from his home and his neighbor didn't like that.

“My son is a legal, law-abiding citizen,” the man's father told the board, according to the Tribune.

George Seaton's home occupation permit allowing him to sell guns was approved on April 25. Seaton said he planned to sell shotguns, handguns and rifles. His application said he planned to make some gun repairs, but would keep a minimal number of guns in a safe and do business by appointment only.

Since the zoning laws didn't distinguish retail sales by type, the application was treated like any other and approved, agenda notes said. Some residents became upset and asked the city to add firearms to the prohibited list and the matter was referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission, agenda notes said.

City staff suggested making a recommendation to council to add firearms to the prohibited list, but the commission did not agree.

KCRG reported that gun sales and permits jumped after the Colorado theater .

Story County approved in August.