Entrepreneur seeks to rent e-bikes from trailheads; zoning staff says home-occupation special-use likely required

An entrepreneur told county trail and zoning officials on Aug. 12 he plans to launch Trailblazers, a mobile e-bike rental and sales business that would operate from a barn and occasional trailhead popup sites. John Zimmer said he plans to run rentals from an SUV and a pop-up tent at trailheads on the Jane Addams and Pecatonica Prairie trails as well as sell e-bikes from a retail space in an antiques barn on his property. "What we're looking at doing is trying to do this in a little bit of a different manner... with a mobile SUV," Zimmer said. Why it matters: County trail committees have discussed increasing trail use and services; a mobile rental business could increase recreational access but raises questions about permits, liability and trail rules. Zoning staff told Zimmer that because his proposed location is an unincorporated agricultural parcel with a residence, the operation would need a home-occupation special-use permit processed through the Zoning Board of Appeals. Beth Gilmore said she would contact Zimmer to provide application information and schedule the required hearing. Discussion vs. decision: No formal permit was granted at the meeting. Zoning staff advised on process and next steps; staff said there is no separate county "equipment rental" permit. Zimmer said he is prepared to begin operations within 30–45 days and has secured sales permits; he described rental pricing and logistics. What remains unclear: Insurance and liability issues could limit where and how extensively Zimmer operates; he said insurance has been a significant early concern. The county did not record any decision about trail permissions or municipal business licenses for the specific trailheads. Ending: Zoning staff offered to follow up with Zimmer and to explain the home-occupation special-use process; Zimmer said he will coordinate with staff and the trail committees about trial dates and locations.