Supervisors approve home‑occupation gunsmithing permit with safety conditions after neighborhood objections

The York County Board of Supervisors on May 21 approved Resolution R24‑90 to allow firearm sales and gunsmithing as a home occupation at 1214 Wilkins Drive, subject to conditions laid out by staff.

Planning staff explained the applicant would use a reinforced detached garage (about 300 sq ft) for limited on‑site customer contact by appointment only. Security measures noted in the staff presentation include two bolted Liberty Lincoln gun safes anchored to a 6‑inch concrete floor, reinforced concrete block garage construction, a three‑inch reinforced garage door, and proposed conditions prohibiting discharge of firearms on the property. Staff recommended adding a condition that the special‑use permit expire on transfer of property ownership so the approval remains tied to the current owner.

Applicant Edwin John Spatzel told the board gates and garage doors would be locked when the business is not operating, that an alarm system has been ordered and will be installed before operations begin, and that he does not intend to maintain a retail inventory for browsing. He described operations as primarily appointment‑based gunsmithing and custom builds, with limited sales tied to ATF and state licensing processes; he said he will not commence sales without a Federal Firearms License and state approvals.

A nearby property owner and resident, and Pam Pusho (103 Kimberly Court), spoke during the public hearing opposing the permit. Pusho said the presence of firearm repair and sales in a high‑density residential neighborhood increases theft risk and may attract criminals; she urged denial and recommended commercial zoning for such businesses.

Board members asked practical questions about alarms, locked gates and whether the garage and gates would remain secured when unoccupied. Staff and the applicant answered that the security measures would be in place and that the county has approved similar home‑occupation firearms permits previously without reported enforcement issues. With those clarifications, the board voted to adopt Resolution R24‑90 (roll call recorded all yes) and approved the permit.

The board’s action authorizes the use subject to the conditions in the resolution, including the staff‑recommended ownership‑transfer expiration clause. The applicant remains responsible for securing necessary federal and state firearms licenses before commencing sales.