The Vigo County Board of Zoning Appeals on voice vote approved a special-use permit allowing a recovery home for women and women with children at 1126 North Eighth Street.

The petitioners, Jennifer Guzman and Eric Adderson, told the board the facility provides peer-recovery support, meetings and therapy and is intended for women seeking to regain custody or stabilize after treatment. "I'm Jennifer Guzman," Guzman said, describing her own recovery and saying the home currently houses seven women. She added the organization is applying for 501(c)(3) status and has rules requiring peer recovery, sponsorship and curfews.

Staff said the house is currently operating without required permits and must secure a city permit, pass inspections including the fire marshal’s review, and meet occupancy and egress standards tied to roughly 50 square feet of sleeping space per person under federal/state and local guidance. An inspector told the board the applicants notified staff after operating began; staff allowed temporary operation while the special-use request was processed but said the applicants must finish the permitting steps or cease operations if the board denied the petition.

Board members asked about exterior changes neighbors would notice, parking and on-site supervision. Petitioners said they have off-street parking in the rear sufficient for a small number of vehicles, two house managers (no paid staff), cameras throughout the house and rules limiting visitors after 7 p.m. The petitioners said they have worked with neighbors and mailed notices and that some neighbors have expressed support.

Vice Chair Jason Savadra asked staff whether approving the special use would defer parking calculations; staff said final parking requirements will be set during the Department of Engineering site-permit review once occupant load is defined. The board adopted staff's recommendation and approved the special use by voice vote.

The decision requires the petitioners to complete city permitting, engineering review and fire-marshal inspection before any continued or expanded operation. The board record shows the group must return to engineering for final parking and occupancy determinations.