PLNZAD2018-00420 - 268 W Paramount1
June 27, 2018
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATION
DECISION AND FINDINGS
PLNZAD2018-00420
REQUEST:
A request for an administrative interpretation regarding whether Alpha Munitions’ production of
brass rifle cases can be classified as an industrial assembly use and; therefore, permitted in the
CG: General Commercial zoning district at approximately 268 W. Paramount Avenue.
DECISION:
The Zoning Administrator finds that Alpha Munitions’ production of brass rifle cases, as
proposed, can be considered an industrial assembly use as defined within Salt Lake City’s Zoning
Ordinance, Section 21A.52 and; therefore, is permitted in the CG: General Commercial zoning
district. Alpha Munitions in particular does not use a metal stamping press or stamping
methodologies to create the brass rifle cases and should not be considered “metal stamping” as
referenced in the definition of industrial assembly.
FINDINGS: I have reviewed your request and made the following findings related to the use
classification for the production of brass rifle cases.
As detailed in the applicant’s use description, Alpha Munitions produces high quality
“precision brass rifle cases,” or the outer component of a cartridge used with firearms. A
typical cartridge consists of an outer case (what alpha munitions creates), gunpowder
inside the case, a bullet and a primer.
More specifically, Alpha Munitions, “purchases brass tubes/cups (partly finished
components produced offsite) and utilizing custom made, highly automated CNC
[Computer Numerical Control] equipment, completes the shaping and trimming of the
tubes to specific and exacting tolerances… The process involves ironing, trimming,
cleaning and verifying tolerances. The product is then packed and shipped to retail
customers, retail partners and commercial loaders around the world.”
Salt Lake City’s Zoning Ordinance, Section 21A.52, defines “industrial assembly” as:
INDUSTRIAL ASSEMBLY: An industrial use engaged in the fabrication of
finished or partially finished products from component parts produced off site.
Assembly use shall not entail metal stamping, food processing, chemical
processing or painting other than painting that is accessory to the assembly
use.
As specified by this definition, industrial assembly shall not entail metal stamping. Metal
stamping is an industrial process that utilizes a metal stamping press to compress metal
sheets into different shapes or metal parts.
As further detailed in the applicant’s use description, their production process does not
involve metal stamping or the use of a metal stamping press. Instead, the company uses
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment to shape and trim brass tubes into rifle
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cases. This is opposed to metal stamping, where metal sheets are actually “stamped” or
compressed into different forms.
In conclusion, Alpha Munitions’ production process should not be considered metal stamping as
different machinery and methodologies are used to create the brass rifle cases than what is
typically used for metal stamping. Additionally, industrial-scale metal stamping equipment
usually occupies a significant amount of floor area, whereas the applicant has specified that
their CNC equipment will take up approximately 800 square feet of their 9,200 square-foot
space. Metal stamping equipment can also be relatively loud, whereas the applicant has
specified that their machinery is quieter and does not produce any hazardous emissions.
If you have any questions regarding this interpretation please contact Lauren Parisi at (801)
535-7226 or by email at lauren.parisi@slcgov.com.
APPEAL PROCESS:
An applicant or any other person or entity adversely affected by a decision administering or
interpreting this Title may appeal to the Appeals Hearing Officer. Notice of appeal shall be filed
within ten (10) days of the administrative decision. The appeal shall be filed with the Planning
Division and shall specify the decision appealed and the reasons the appellant claims the decision
to be in error. Applications for appeals are located on the Planning Division website at
https://www.slc.gov/planning/applications/along with information about the applicable fee.
Appeals may be filed in person or by mail at:
In Person:
Salt Lake City Corp
Planning Counter
451 S State Street, Room 215
Salt Lake City, UT
US Mail:
Salt Lake City Corp
Planning Counter
PO Box 145471
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5417
NOTICE:
Please be advised that a determination finding a particular use to be a permitted use or a
conditional use shall not authorize the establishment of such use nor the development,
construction, reconstruction, alteration, or moving of any building or structure. It shall merely
authorize the preparation, filing, and processing of applications for any approvals and permits
that may be required by the codes and ordinances of the City including, but not limited to, a zoning
certificate, a building permit, and a certificate of occupancy, subdivision approval, and a site plan
approval.
Dated this 27th day of June, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lauren Parisi
Principal Planner
Attachments: Alpha Munition’s Use Description
cc: Nick Norris, Planning Director
Joel Paterson, Zoning Administrator
Greg Mikolash, Development Review Supervisor
Posted to Web
Applicable Recognized Organizations
Amerikal Properties Proposed Use of 268 Paramount Ave
Amerikal Properties is the owner of the building and will be leasing space to tenants. Alpha M,
LLC, a supplier of precision brass cases, will be the primary lessee. The purchase of this building
is contingent on Alpha M, LLC receiving their certificate of occupancy.
Description of Alpha M, LLC’s Business/Process:
Alpha is a supplier of the world’s highest quality brass rifle cases. Alpha purchases brass
tubes/cups (partly finished components produced offsite) and utilizing custom made, highly
automated CNC equipment, completes the shaping and trimming of the tubes to specific and
exacting tolerances. This process is NOT a stamping process as there is no stamping or
stamping equipment (hydraulic presses) involved. The process involves ironing, trimming,
cleaning and verifying tolerances. The product is then packed and shipped to retail customers,
retail partners and commercial loaders around the world.
Alpha’s proprietary process takes places in a “laboratory environment” and requires less than
800 sq ft of floor space. There are no hazardous materials/chemicals utilized in the process and
the CNC equipment is quiet enough that no ear protection is necessary (casual conversations
can take place next to the equipment at a normal speaking tone). All waste generated (brass
trimmings and shavings) are collected sent to a Salt Lake City recycling company.
With regard to shipping and receiving, the vast majority of shipping is achieved utilizing UPS,
FedEx, USPS and DHL. All Shipping and receiving takes place between 8am-6pm Monday-
Friday.
In Closing, Alpha’s business is extremely clean, quiet and will in no way be a nuisance to the
neighborhood. We take great pride in perfection as it pertains to the quality our products,
service to our customers and community and overall appearance of our facility.
Below is a breakdown of the proposed use of space;
Office/Clerical: 3,400 Sq Ft
Warehouse Storage: 3,000
Packaging/Fulfillment Space: 2,000 Sq ft
Fabrication/CNC Equipment: 800 Sq ft
Hours of Operation:
Office: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Fabrication/Inspection/Packaging: Monday-Friday (2) 10-12 hour shifts
Employees Per By Shift
1st: 10
2nd: 2-6
3rd: 2-6