Safford — A new option for kid-friendly parties in the Gila Valley is the Petting Zoo.
At a recent meeting, the Graham County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a conditional permit for the small animal petting zoo located on the property at Block 5800 of the Cottontail Trail.
Property owner Kay Condon said the plan is to serve up to 10 children during the day and on weekends and holidays for birthday parties and other special occasions.
“I have goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys and even had lambs until this week…it just went. added that it can milk the
The majority of public comments on the issue were largely against traffic and parking reasons. Many residents of the area said the dirt roads were too narrow to handle the heavy traffic. Also, street parking is not allowed.
Others have also said that small animals can attract predators such as coyotes and bobcats to the area.
Graham County Planning Superintendent Steve McGorhy said the special-use permit, rather than rezoning, would allow the county to better address the concerns of neighboring property owners.
“I think we can work things out,” McGowie said. “It’s a special use permit, so if there’s a problem, the neighbors will come over. She has no intention of doing so, but she can withdraw permission.”
Condon said overflow parking is available on the family property. She said she has the table ready for the party and plans to introduce portable toilets and hand-washing stations once the permit is approved.
Condon declined to say when the petting zoo will be open to the public.
