Board approves conditional-use permits for home gunsmith and new veterinary clinic

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners on April 7 approved two conditional-use permits: a Type B home-occupation gunsmithing business at a Fleming-area residence and a 3,600-square-foot veterinary office on North Coastal Highway.

Planning staff presented the gunsmith application for 2384 Mount Olivet Church Road and noted the use would be accessory to the residence, appointment-only, and without a retail storefront or exterior signage. Applicant Zachary Zto told the board his business would "operate in full compliance with state and local regulations" and that "safety is my top priority"; he said firearms would be securely stored and testing would occur off-site at an approved shooting range. Commissioners asked about on-site ammunition storage; Mr. Zto said any on-site quantities would be small and kept in military-style ammo cans. Planning commission recommended approval with standard conditions and the board approved the permit, noting that federal ATF approval and inspection is required after local approval.

The board also heard from Kyle Christensen, who described plans to open a veterinary clinic in an AR1-zoned corridor. Christensen said he practiced in Richmond Hill for 30 years and that no outdoor kennels or boarding are proposed; the conceptual plan calls for 14 parking spaces plus one handicap space. Planning staff said the future land-use map and zoning are compatible with a veterinary office as a conditional use; no neighbors spoke in opposition and the board approved the request with standard conditions.

Both approvals included standard home-occupation and site conditions identified by planning (limits on nonresident employees, restricted customer visits by appointment, no exterior storage of firearms for the gunsmith request; site engineering required for the veterinary office). Commissioners emphasized compliance with state and federal requirements for licensed operations and the need to follow follow-up inspections.

Next steps: Applicants will complete any federal/state licensing (ATF inspection for gunsmith) and any required engineering/site-plan work before construction or operation begins.