I don't think it's particularly good advice to take advice from a ATF agent or a police officer. I've called the Department of Justice a number of times in relation to ADA compliant signs. I've gotten different answers from every person I've spoken to. So if we get popped on a violation for a building we did signs for, do you really think the defense of "James from your office told me it was okay" is going to get far? Without it in writing, all of this is hearsay from a court standpoint. When you get nailed and you end up in court, and you drag the agent into the court room, do you think he's going to say "Yes, I told him he didn't need a permit?". I seriously doubt that.
It's so little involved, why would you want to risk it?
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Real name Steve but that name was taken on the forum. Used Middle name. Call me Steve or Scott, doesn't matter.