Planning commission approves Little Zoo to You Fairbanks conditional use with manure-management condition

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission on Aug. 12 approved a conditional use permit for Little Zoo To You Fairbanks to operate a petting zoo at 689 Whitney Drive, voting to adopt staff recommendations and add a manure-removal requirement. The motion passed 11–0 after debate and one successful amendment to require off-site removal of animal waste at least twice monthly.

The decision allows Little Zoo To You Fairbanks to convert an existing property in the general commercial (GC) zoning district to a permanent location for a previously mobile petting-zoo operation that specializes in small farm animals. Planning staff and the applicant described the proposal as focused on low-impact species — Nigerian dwarf goats, ducks, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and similar animals — with operating hours proposed up to five days a week, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and an estimated 1–30 vehicle visits per day during operating hours.

Nut graf: Commissioners approved the permit with conditions addressing wastewater, manure management, driveway configuration per Department of Transportation direction, and animal-noise limits. Neighbors testified with concerns about manure accumulation, odor and noise; staff and the applicant agreed to specified waste-handling practices and a condition that requires the applicant to follow Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) guidelines and to remove animal waste at least twice monthly.

Staff presentation and site details Anduin K. McElroy, a planning staff member, briefed the commission on the site history, zoning…