That’s a great idea. Do you have the vapor hoods for dealing with the solvents? How about industrial grade steel sinks? On-site waste treatment. (You aren’t going to flush the gunk down the toilet?!) Registered all of your chemicals and solvents with the fire department?
The guy up the block does a great job with small engine repair. He wanted to expand it and turn his garage into a full time shop. It was unbelievable the number of hoops they were going to make him jump through. So he just keeps it small. Although I imagine now that he is on their radar they will be watching him.
But a great skill for you to have, and come a certain time, the last thing they (or you) will be concerned about is some new EPA rule.
Contrary to what my username home page says I am not in Oz, I am in Alaska.
We have quite a bit more freedom up here as far as EPA laws.
My most important tool will be an industrial sized ultrasonic cleaner. I have a shop almost a long stone throw away that does powdercoating and cerakote, a process very popular lately. Actually last year I did a 1911 for a customer in a two tone silver graphite cerakote, its a baked on epoxy that is very durable.
I also did a Winchester model 70 that way, its now resistant to cold weather, and my lubricants are mostly synthetic or dry lubes.
Blueing can be an option but its actually not very popular, most new gun owners prefer a more rugged durable finish and or a specific color. And I can airbrush that cerakote into a camo design.
And since its Alaska word of mouth is the best form of advertisement.