NORTHRIDGE : Conditional Use Permit of Petting Zoo in Jeopardy

A four-year battle by neighbors of The Farm, a petting zoo and pony ride emporium in the heart of Northridge, inched forward Friday, when a city zoning administrator said he was inclined to deny a conditional use permit that the operation is seeking in order to stay in business.

Neighbors said the 1 1/2-acre farm is smelly and unsanitary, and contributes to declining property values.

But Linda Menary, who has had her business at two different sites in the neighborhood since 1976, said The Farm provides a valuable service to children who come to ride the ponies.