law suite that features a dedicated exterior entrance, bedroom, bathroom, and a physical interior hallway separating the space from the main residence. Operating hours will be 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on set days (typically Tuesdays and Fridays). No commercial signage will be displayed. Ms. Ginder noted that supplemental income is essential to help put her child through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as a single parent.

Support Testimony: Eva Harold (459 N. Reading Rd., Muncie, IN), applicant’s mother, spoke in support. She emphasized her daughter's strong work ethic and verified that the mother-in-law suite's physical division isolates salon operations entirely from the rest of the dwelling.

Commission Discussion: In response to questions from Board members, Ms. Ginder clarified key operational details:

  • Client Volume: Appointments are strictly one-on-one, meaning only one client vehicle will be present at any given time.
  • Off-Street Parking Pad: The residence (located at the corner of Petty Road and Tilson/Tillotson Avenue) previously functioned as a Ball State rental property and possesses an expanded paved parking area capable of accommodating up to six vehicles side-by-side. Clients will be able to pull in and out comfortably without street parking or backing onto Petty Road.
  • Neighborhood Sentiment: Surrounding neighbors were consulted and expressed enthusiasm. Ms. Ginder confirmed she is not currently providing nail services on-site pending zoning authorization.

Opposition: No one appeared in opposition.

Voting: Mr. Dishman made a motion for a Favorable Recommendation for BZA 65-26 to be forwarded to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Brand seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Mr. Brand, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Dishman, Mr. Ivy, Mr. LaChat, and Ms. Sipe Voting against: None. Motion carried (6-0) BZA 65-26 to forwarded to the BZA for their September 24, 2026 meeting.

MPC 06-26A — McKinley Neighborhood Overlay District

Jurisdiction: Muncie City Council

Being a consideration of approval to amend the text of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the City of Muncie regarding a proposed overlay district located in the McKinley Neighborhood.

Introduction & Background: Ms. Swackhamer presented the background of MPC 06-26A. Following the mayoral veto in July and statutory updates to Indiana state law taking effect July 1, neighborhood advocates met with city administrative officials to resolve contested points and adjust the draft language.

Proponent Presentation: Joe Robertson (608 N. Elm St., Muncie, IN) outlined five core categories of revisions incorporated into the updated proposal:

  1. McKinley Neighborhood Review Committee (MNRC): Revised structural framework and operating rules.
  2. Utilities: Replaced rigid underground burial mandates with advisory language encouraging underground utilities where feasible.