A local home-based business is expanding.
Earlier this month, the Madison County Board of Supervisors approved a special use permit (SUP) allowing Shannon Lillard to operate a pet grooming and kennel facility on her property located on Good Hope Church Road. The 59.136-acre parcel is zoned agricultural, A-1. Lillard has operated a small dog grooming business for approximately 10 years from her home. She plans to create a 30’ x 50’ building for her business near the front portion of her property and plans to expand into boarding services. She anticipates caring for a maximum of 30 dogs at one time.
Per conditions placed on the SUP, the number of dogs is capped at 30 with 15 being the maximum number of cats allowed. All animals have to be inside the facility before 8 p.m. and not allowed outside until 7 a.m. A single, leashed dog can be walked outside of those hours.
Two neighbors voiced their support for the permit via email. Both said they entrusted their dogs to Lillard. Jennifer Berry said Lillard is a valuable asset to pet owners in the community. Two other neighbors stated concerns including increased traffic and noise. They also questioned the facility’s plan to compost dog waste. Supervisor Mike Snider agreed, stating the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recommends not composting waste, instead placing it in a bag and taking it to the landfill. He said Madison Companion Animal Hospital does something similar.
“That seems to be the correct way to do it,” Snider said.
The planning commission recommended the permit for approval to the board of supervisors who approved it 4-0. Supervisor Nancy Sharman was absent.
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