Gunsmithing

[Commander]

Our local ordinances prohibit Gunsmithing in all Zoning classes except Heavy Commerical or light industrial. The apparent justification given revolves around chemicals and Gun powder and reloading of ammo. My understanding of Gunsmithing is that it involves the repair and modification of firearms and not so much reloading. Any chemical use might occur in the refinishing of a gun. I would think that such processes as nickel plating would be outsourced due to environmental restrictions. What about the bluing process? I would appreciate whatever information you could provide me as I am trying to get the resrictions modified. As the ordinances are written now, someone wanting to open an indoor gun range in a General Retail zone could not offer on site gunsmith services.

[WildBill]

Our local ordinances prohibit Gunsmithing in all Zoning classes except Heavy Commerical or light industrial. The apparent justification given revolves around chemicals and Gun powder and reloading of ammo. My understanding of Gunsmithing is that it involves the repair and modification of firearms and not so much reloading. Any chemical use might occur in the refinishing of a gun. I would think that such processes as nickel plating would be outsourced due to environmental restrictions. What about the bluing process? I would appreciate whatever information you could provide me as I am trying to get the resrictions modified. As the ordinances are written now, someone wanting to open an indoor gun range in a General Retail zone could not offer on site gunsmith services.

Can you reference the zoning laws?

[Commander]

It's located in the local Unified Development Code for the City of Rockwall. The Land Use Chart indicates what is permitted in the various Zones. I believe it's on page 5 Section IV.