The vote was unanimous on Tuesday, December 9 during the Farmington Town Board meeting regarding the change of the zoning code. The vote was in favor of changing allowable zoological activities.  

The Town Board determined that it is necessary to update the Zoning Code in the Town of Farmington to be consistent with state law, and to support current land uses within the Town boundaries, according to Farmington Town Chairperson Doug Neumann.
Zoological activities include zoos and sanctuaries, defined as operations for the care, exhibition, preservation, and breeding of animals, with associated educational programs. This includes internal development and redevelopment of new exhibits, visitor centers, trails, parking lots, and accessory retail expansion. Zoological
activities may include visitor centers, parking lots, trails, educational facilities, food and beverage sales, special events, or weddings. 

It all centers around a clear purpose for Farmington's Agricultural District, including what is permitted, a minimum lot size and animals on a single family subdivided lot.

It's good news for the Shalom Wildlife Zoo, which has been open in Farmington since 1979. Their expansion plans have led to a lawsuit, but the approved update will be consistent with state law. 

The support for Shalom Wildlife Zoo has been quite evident, whether it's in the form of a Facebook page, Facebook post, red yard signs or large crowds gathered for a Farmington Town Board meeting.

Photo by WTKM's Tom Jeffery.