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Resident requests special-use permit to continue home-based dog boarding in Bloomington
Summary
Alicia Epperly asked the Lane Use and Transportation Committee for a special‑use permit to operate a home-based dog‑boarding business at 14504 Brian Drive, saying she has neighbor support, HOA approval and pet‑liability insurance and asking the committee to allow the activity to continue.
Alicia Epperly told the Lane Use and Transportation Committee she is seeking a special‑use permit under the county ordinance to operate an animal‑care business (home‑based dog boarding) at her primary residence, 14504 Brian Drive in Bloomington. "I stand before you today asking for a special use permit under the ordinance for animal care general within my primary residence at 14504 Brian Drive in Bloomington," Epperly said, adding that she lives in Randolph Township and has a petition of support from neighbors and other McLean County taxpayers.
Epperly said she presented a motion at her HOA's annual meeting in 2024 to allow home‑based businesses and that attendees voted to approve her operating a boarding business. She told the committee she has received no complaints about cleanliness, noise, traffic or other issues related to boarding dogs in her home and submitted photographs, a pet‑liability insurance policy and a pet‑sitting waiver she requires clients to sign.
"Providing the service in my home has not caused a decrease in the value of my home or the neighborhood. In fact, I've done nothing but increase the value since I moved in in 2022," Epperly said, describing boarding as family‑style care rather than a commercial kennel: "They sit on our couch as we watch TV, sleep in our bed with us at night, and are at my feet when I make dinner." She also detailed personal circumstances, saying she is a single mother of a special‑needs child and needs to supplement income.
The appearance was made during the public‑comment portion of the meeting; county board rules cited by staff prohibit board members from engaging non‑members during that period. The transcript records Epperly’s written materials and statements but does not show the committee taking a vote on the permit at this meeting.
What happens next: Epperly provided documentation of neighborhood support and insurance and indicated supporters were present. The committee did not act on the special‑use permit during the public‑comment period; any administrative or formal zoning hearing or staff follow‑up required for a special‑use permit was not recorded in this session.
