NORTHRIDGE : Petting Zoo Owner Loses Zoning Ruling

A city zoning official has dealt a setback to the owner of a Northridge petting zoo who has been fighting to keep her business open despite the opposition of neighbors.

“I really wrestled with this, it was close,” John Parker, associate city zoning administrator, said Thursday of his decision to deny a permit application. He said that he was influenced by the perception that owner Linda Menary has a history of not complying with city regulations and might not obey conditions if allowed to continue her business.

Menary has operated her one-of-a-kind petting zoo at The Farm, 8101 Tampa Ave., for over two decades. Since 1988, she has run the operation on about 1.5 acres just south of its original location. For several years she has been embroiled in a battle with the neighbors in suburban-style homes that flank the property on several sides. Neighbors have complained of everything from cackling geese to the reek of manure to parking problems.

Supporters of the petting zoo have packed hearings to protest attempts to shut it down. Parker said the historical value of the business and its popularity among children made the decision a tough one.

Parker said besides about 50 ponies, Menary keeps 40 goats, 12 sheep, 15 rabbits, 2 donkeys, three cows, four llamas and about 60 fowl, including ducks, chickens, geese and turkeys.

Parker formally denied Menary’s application for a conditional-use permit to run a commercial business. If upheld, the ruling would mean Menary could keep her farm, but would have to end its use as a private zoo and pony ride. Menary, who could not be reached for comment, has until July 8 to appeal the decision to the city Board of Zoning Appeals.

Last August, Menary pleaded no contest to a charge of animal cruelty and was ordered to apply for the permit and serve 18 months probation, said Don Cocek, deputy city attorney. The case involved confiscation of a ram with an ingrown horn, but Cocek said he doesn’t think Menary routinely abuses or neglects her animals.

“She is the world’s most dedicated animal-lover,” said Cocek. “There are not many places in the Valley like that. It’s a worthwhile service to the community, but it conflicts with the neighbors.”