Planning commission sends wildlife‑rehab/home‑occupation question to the Board of Zoning Appeals

Andrea Muir, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, told the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission on May 6 that she operates an unpaid wildlife‑rehabilitation effort from her home and typically cares for a limited number of animals at one time. She said she pays for care out of pocket, works with a veterinarian and aims to release animals when possible.

“I'm a licensed wildlife rehabber ... I focus primarily on rehabbing raccoons, foxes,” Muir said, describing capacity limits and the rehabilitative goals: “The goal is always to release.” She said she currently cares for several juveniles and typically keeps numbers low to manage care.

Staff told the commission the petition raises a procedural question: whether the activity could be treated as a home occupation or whether the county should open a new residential classification for animal rescue. Staff noted either path would require a Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) hearing; the BZA would weigh site‑specific issues such as maximum animals, noise, disease control, and whether structures meet code.

Commission members discussed whether creating a new classification would open the door more broadly across residential areas. Several members favored sending the matter to the BZA so it can be considered case‑by‑case; one commissioner recommended applicants provide a maximum number to include in the BZA filing. The commission voted to forward the matter to the BZA with instructions to the petitioner to include a proposed maximum number of animals.

Next steps: Staff will schedule a BZA hearing and advise the petitioner on documentation (numbers, veterinary oversight and operational details).