December 10, 2025 – Town of Farmington, Wi – The Town of Farmington Town Board voted 3-0 this week on an amendment that changes a town zoning ordinance 2025-02, referencing Resolution 2025-11
According to the Town minutes from November 6, 2025, plan commission meeting:
A copy of the proposed zoning code changes were presented to the Plan Commission. The new code would allow Zoological activities in the AG Agricultural District. There were also changes to number of animals permitted on Single Family subdivided lots of less than 5 acres. Discussion followed. A motion by Henry Kleuver, 2nd by Jacob Gitter to recommend to the Town Board to approve and the Zoning code amendments. Motion carried.
During a public hearing November 11, 2025 the town board weighed zoning changes that would impact the definition of zoos in particular.
The vote Tuesday night was 3 – 0.
Owners of
Shalom Wildlife, who run a local zoo and were going to be impacted by any decision, issued a statement following the meeting.
We have an exciting update for all of you. This evening, the Town of Farmington Town Board passed an amendment to the zoning code by a 3-0 vote. This new amendment will now permit Shalom to engage in “zoological activities.”
The ordinance defines “zoological activities” to include such activities as breeding animals, hosting visitor centers, offering trails, selling food and beverages, and hosting special events such as weddings.
There is still much work ahead of us in the lawsuit, but this was a big step forward. Our hope is that this new ordinance will moot out the claims raised against us in the lawsuit by our neighbors. Because our business is now allowed to engage in zoological activities, we no longer need to seek a conditional use permit to operate. So the neighbors who have sued us have no reason to say we cannot operate.
Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement during this difficult time for our business. It has meant so much to us and we appreciate you standing beside us. God bless you.
Even with the change in zone, it appears the case again Shalom is still active in the court system.
There’s also word the DNR is reviewing ordinances from 25+ years ago in the Town of Farmington.
More updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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Hope it all goes well for you. You do such a great job. I love these animals through your eyes!