WOODS CROSS -- People stood in the hallway, craning their necks to hear the debate over a home-based firearms sales business.
Neighbors packed the Woods Cross City Council chambers and spoke both for and against "Ty's Guns," Tyler Murri's part-time business he hopes to start in the coming weeks.
"It can't be operated until I have the permits," he told the Woods Cross Planning Commission on Tuesday.
Murri was seeking approval from the planning commission, a step before getting a business license from the city. Some of his neighbors have objected to the idea, while others said they had no problem with it.
"I support everyone having a home business and making a living, but I think that a neighborhood is an inappropriate venue for selling firearms," said one woman.
"Because someone has a gun shop in their house doesn't mean crime is going to increase in their neighborhood," one man told the planning commission.
They debated safety, security and property values. One man claimed he would have a difficult time selling his home because some wouldn't want to live two doors from a gun shop.
"As far as I'm concerned? The more guns the better," said one man. "I think we will be safer."
Commissioners peppered Murri with questions about what he would do to ensure the firearms were safe. Murri told commissioners "Ty's Guns" will have about 20 firearms on hand at any given time, locked in a safe. His home also has an alarm system, he said.
Woods Cross has previously approved four other home-based firearms sales businesses with no complaints, City Administrator Gary Uresk said. The city recommended approval.
The Woods Cross Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve it. Commissioner Leo Beecher told those who opposed it that the ordinances are created by the city council, and to register their objections with them.
Outside the council chambers, Murri said he was happy with the vote. He said he is still awaiting federal firearms licensing before his business can start up. He told FOX 13 he was surprised that many of his neighbors were opposed to his home business, but he hoped to make peace with them.
"Absolutely," he said. "Everybody's entitled to their opinions. They bring up good points and I get that, but like the last guy (who spoke) said, I think it comes from a lack of education."
