Storage Questions

[Eagle66]

OK, I have some questions about storage. I’ve already got the picture about storage of the chemicals I have; Oxidizers separate from fuels & metals, properly labeled containers, etc. I store my BP in the same locked cabinets as my ammo reloading supplies in the basement, in another room away from the furnace.

 

What I’m wondering about is finished components like stars and finished pieces like rockets, shells, etc. I haven't made any of those yet, & I’ll probably never have over 50 lbs. of the finished stuff.

 

My property is a regular residential lot in the middle of the block, so I’m pretty sure an outdoor magazine isn’t an option. I do have a detached garage/shed that is about 30-35 feet from the house. It's got the usual assortment of stuff found in most garages (except cars). I’ve thought about getting some surplus metal ammo cans for the goods and keeping them there.

 

I’ve read the fed regs about magazines. Lots of shall be's, should be's, and the like, but not much in the way of practical help.

 

I’m planning on getting my license, but I think I need to get the storage issues settled first. I'm researching State & local stuff as well, but again, I think proper storage is the priority.

 

That’s about all I can think of at the moment.

[schroedinger]

Do you have maybe a club somewhere around, which has an magazine and allows storage? That would at least help you with the feds (if the regulation allow that)

[Nessalco]

Eagle,

 

Any pyrotechnic components you make (including BP) must be stored in a magazine. You do not necessarily need to be licensed, but you do have to have a magazine if you're going to do much at all with pyro. And while a magazine does not need to be federally approved, trying to fly under the radar with a magazine unknown to the authorities is asking for trouble - I know a lot of folk do so, but it's pretty serious business. If you intend to pursue an ATFE license then this is what you have to do anyway.

 

Start is with your local zoning laws and zoning board. Since you describe yourself as living in a residential neighborhood, I'm going to guess storage of regulated explosives will be prohibited - but you never know until you ask. Once you know if the zoning allows it, talk to the local fire marshal. Once those folks have 'signed off' on the permissibility of a magazine you can start worrying about where and how to construct it.

 

Even if the local zoning laws don't allow storage, you might try asking for a variance if you could make a good case for safety (and are on good terms with your neighbors).

 

If you are going to be licensed and your property doesn't allow storage on-site, then contingent storage is the only way to go.

 

Kevin O

[Eagle66]

I just looked up the zoning. Even industrial zoning requires a special permit for: "Production, manufacture, distribution, or commercial storage of toxic, flammable, or explosive materials, including chemicals and gases, fireworks and explosives, arsenals and magazines"

 

Looks like I'm screwed. Guess I'll have to take up knitting. Trouble is, I spent all my money on equipment and chemicals, so I can't afford yarn & needles.

 

Sux.

Edited August 16, 2014 by Eagle66

[TYRONEEZEKIEL]

You aren't screwed. I used to live in a neighborhood with an identical situation as you. I had an atf license with a magazine in a shed out in the back yard. I know the legal things are intimidating but there is a way to make it happen.

[Arthur]

Often it's up to you to know and understand the rules of your locality. YOU need to know the regulations so well that they can't fault or refuse your application for permits and licences. You may need to find a specialist in the regulations in your area to assist with the completion of application forms.

 

I have a friend who "can't get an answer from his council" if it was my application I'd get the regulations, learn them, and make an application that would pass scrutiny and be accepted. If you don't understand the rules then they will not give you a licence.

[Nessalco]

Arthur is correct. There is likely a way to make a permitted magazine happen - it's a matter of learning the rules, building relationships, and acting professionally.

 

I am an unlicensed hobbyist, in a state with some fairly rigid firework laws and a serious zoning package. When I got started in pyro, I went up and down the line of anybody who might care what I was doing, and talked to them. At length. Usually as long as they cared to listen. I've toured local officials and the fire chief from the neighboring town through my operation, storage and manufacture. But in all of those conversations, I made sure I knew my S**T, and made no inflammatory comments. You will want to be familiar with all of the pertinent laws, such as NFPA 1123, State law, etc, etc. The more you can establish your bona fides as a professional, the more likely you will get what you want.

 

You might find, for example, many of the regulations about storing and manufacturing explosives relate to operations in commerce, and that hobbyists are viewed differently. Do you know anybody on the zoning board? An off-the-record conversation might give you a lot of useful information. I mentioned your relationship with your neighbors in a previous post - would they object? Go to bat for you? Not care one way or another?

 

Hang in there - it can be done, and done legally. I even talked to my insurance company about my activities (including the one major show a year I shoot on my property) and so long as I follow the laws, I'm covered by my homeowner's insurance. I also have an umbrella liability permit, and the cost of that went up $50 a year after I talked to them. <shrug> Small cost.

 

Kevin

Edited August 17, 2014 by Nessalco

[Arthur]

If I go to my local authority and ask for a nnKilo 1.3 store, with plans of the area and distances marked up and proof that the requirements of statute law are met they have to issue a licence.

If I go to them and ask for a store and ask them to do the application for me they will not, and I don't get the licence.

 

I'm in a different country so the details are different, however if you do the application correctly for the right size of store for your plot you will get the licence unless you are a prohibited person, If the application is correct they have to find a good reason to refuse it.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Arthur