A proposed home-based firearms business in North Central Phoenix has received partial approval from the City of Phoenix Zoning Administrator following significant public backlash and a highly attended zoning hearing.
The zoning decision, issued April 7, 2025, grants a limited-use permit allowing the applicant to legally operate a small-scale firearms sales business from his home. However, a second permit that would have allowed customer visits was denied due to safety concerns related to traffic patterns and proximity to the historic Murphy Bridle Path.
Zoning Approval: Limited Home-Based Firearms Sales Permitted
The City of Phoenix approved Use Permit #1, which allows the resident to use a converted garage space to store and modify firearms for limited sale—primarily to satisfy federal firearms licensing (FFL) requirements. Sales will be minimal, with the applicant projecting only one or two transactions annually.
The approval includes two stipulations:
- The business must commence operations within one year.
- A review of the business will be conducted after one year.
City zoning officials determined that the proposed use met the requirements for a home occupation under Phoenix’s zoning ordinance. Because all interactions are limited to electronic communication, mail, or private delivery—no in-person customer visits—the city concluded the business would not negatively impact surrounding residential properties.
Denied: Permit for On-Site Patron Visits
However, Use Permit #2—which would have allowed customer appointments on Wednesday afternoons—was denied. The Zoning Administrator cited the risk of increased traffic and pedestrian safety concerns due to the property’s access point on Central Avenue, which intersects with the Murphy Bridle Path, a well-used recreational trail and historic landmark.
According to city findings, the path is a “highly valued community feature,” frequented by joggers, cyclists, children, and families. Any increase in vehicle traffic—especially by drivers unfamiliar with the area—was deemed a threat to public safety and inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood.
The city also noted enforcement difficulties in regulating customer traffic to home-based businesses, particularly when located near residential schools, churches, and historic properties.
Community Opposition Influences Decision
The zoning case drew widespread attention from North Central Phoenix residents, who submitted formal objections and packed the March 6 public hearing. Concerns included:
- Increased traffic and congestion
- Safety risks near the Murphy Bridle Path
- Introduction of commercial activity in a residential area
- Potential impact on home values
While opponents hoped to block the proposal entirely, the denial of on-site visits was seen as a partial victory for the neighborhood.
What’s Next for the Firearms Business?
The applicant may now proceed with obtaining an FFL (Federal Firearms License) and launch operations under the approved permit. However, with strict conditions and a scheduled review after one year, the future of the business remains uncertain.
The Upper Middle Phoenix will continue to follow developments related to this zoning case for a proposed home-based firearms business in North Central Phoenix, community responses, and the evolving conversation around home-based businesses in residential neighborhoods.
