(Updated) Yep, it was just a bit too smooth of sailing. As I was cleaning my home to prepare for the interview on Monday, I received a call from the IOI “Rick.” Rick received a message back from the City of Fort Wayne, that they wanted to talk to me first. Uh oh…

As it turns out, while I am well within the rules and regulations to not have to seek approvals, I do “need” a “letter” ensuring I am “classified” correctly. Despite requesting such a letter with another city planner when I first started this entire process, the Senior Planner has stepped in and wants to make sure i’s are dotted and t’s crossed.

I called the Senior Planner (he was shockingly in his office at 3:45 on Good Friday) and we had a pleasant chat. He explained that this was a formality and would likely only have a 2-3 business day turn-around.

As such, I have submitted a letter requesting classification including all the details of my proposed business for his evaluation. He will return an approval letter along with the classification (hopefully) by the middle of next week, according to him.

While the Senior Planner indicates that this is indeed a formality and that everything is likely in order, it causes major issues with my schedule. As I indicated in Part 4 1/2, I have extended upcoming travel. There will only be a few scattered days that I hope the IOI “Rick” and my schedules may coincide.

Note: According to Indiana State law, no municipality or locality may impose regulations on firearms businesses that are not imposed on all other businesses. Since the Senior Planner mentioned this was just for firearms companies, it technically violates state statute. However, I am not going to fight it as doing so would likely cause more issues that it would solve. Since the Senior Planner was pleasant, honest, and forthright, I am willing to cut through this Scotch equivalent red-tape. If it turns into duct-tape, I will update everyone. 

Update: The Senior Planner indeed turned around the Determination Letter within 24 hours. I am cleared hot for the interview and now have it scheduled for Thursday 4/22/104, just before the NRA show.