Big Dogg Firearms, a home-based business that would allow rifle and handgun transfers via internet sales transactions, was given conditional approval to move forward by the city of Issaquah Oct. 12.

The conditional approval states that the project may be re-reviewed including observations of site activities inconsistent with the approval and receipt of complaints. An annual review of the home occupation may be done with the renewal of the business license each year.

The owner of the license, Michael Marinos, who is currently working as a contractor in Afghanistan, must still obtain a business license from the city.

“The only thing I would like to say is I applaud their decision, Marinos said. “I feel it was a fair decision and it was based on current regulations and not on biases or feelings. It just goes to show that the system does work when personal self-gain is not a consideration.”

No sale of ammunition is allowed. Marinos must also comply with all security measures required by the ATF, relating to locks, safes and cameras and proper handling of parcels and packages delivered containing guns and rifles.

Only 25 percent of the Marinos’ home, or up to 500 square feet can be used for Big Dogg Firearms.

The conditional approval states that a background check of all customers will be required and that an ATF agent will come to inspect the Marinos’ residence and make an initial compliance inspection. They are not allowed to have any sort of outdoor display or storage.

Several neighbors are less than enthused about the decision.

“They did put some restrictions on it,” said neighbor and former city council member Dave Kappler. “But it gets messy with the second amendment rights.”

Bryan Weinstein lives five homes away from the Marinos’ home.

“The approval of this permit is a redundant demonstration of how the City of Issaquah favors business in Issaquah – located anywhere, doing anything, under the guise of economic vitality over neighborhood safety, resident concerns and neighborhood objections,” Weinstein said. “The inclusion of a poorly worded understanding of internet retail sales in their approval criteria is both incomprehensible and disturbing at the same time.”

Jerry Lind, senior planner for the city said the decision went out to all parties of record. Anyone who wants to appeal the decision must do so by Oct. 26 and also must include a reason for the appeal, plus a filing fee of $303. Any appeals would be heard by the city’s hearing examiner.

If there are no appeals, the business license would be issued. Marinos would still need to work with the ATF in submitting his FFL application.