MTAB Gives Green Light To Local Zoo

The Moapa Town Advisory Board (MTAB) approved zoning requests at a June 11 meeting that would allow a small zoo facility to re-commence operations in Moapa. The ‘Roos and More’ zoo was started last year by veterinarian couple, Jacky and Valerie Holt at their home just east of Henrie Road in Moapa.

The Holt’s zoo includes a large collection of varied animals. They plan to transport some of the animals to schools in the region to hold educational programs. The Holts also plan to host tour groups at their Moapa facility. The tours on site would be limited in size and frequency and would be scheduled in advance.

“The calls that we are getting are from senior citizens groups and children’s schools and organizations,” said Peggy Pound who represented the Holts at the MTAB meeting.

Pound explained that the on-site tours would be limited to a maximum of only three days per month for larger school bus visits. Smaller groups of up to 15 people would only be allowed to visit the facility on 2-3 days per week. “The Holts are struggling to make sure that they impact the community in a positive way by putting tight controls on who comes out and by keeping down the numbers,” Pound told the board.

The couple began operating the zoo facility about a year ago. Valerie Holt explained that they began with the necessary business licenses. “At least that is what we were told by the licensing departments,” Holt said.

But after a few months in operation, County officials arrived at the property and informed the Holts that they lacked the appropriate County licenses. They were ordered to cease and desist their operations until the licenses were obtained. That was six months ago.

Since then the Holts have been working to sort out all of the requirements for the county licenses. To obtain the business license, they must first obtain a Use Permit. They are also required to comply with a series of development standards including providing adequate parking facilities, paving and off-site improvements to streets and strict landscape/screening requirements.

The request brought before the MTAB last week was to grant the Use Permit and waive many of the development standards that did not seem to apply to their small project.

During the public comment period, most neighbors showed overwhelming support.

The only opposition was voiced by Wayne Dey who lives in Las Vegas but owns a parcel of land next door to the Holts. “You can’t find better people than the Holts,” said Dey. “But the point here is quality of life. We purchased the property under the auspices of peace and quiet. Now you are bringing enterprise to a rural area. You are bringing in what we are trying to get away from, right to our door.”

But property owners that actually reside in the area were in full support. “I would like to state that I have received leters from every neighbor around them except (Mr. Dey),” said MTAB member Ann Schreiber. “Every single one of them is in favor of this.”

“I am in support of this because it has enhanced the community,” said Shari Lyman who also resides next to the Holts. “It has benefitted boy scout groups and church groups that they have offered their time, energy and resources.”

“As far as impact to the community, it will be miniscule compared to what other property owners in the area are going to be doing, have plans to do and have approval for,” said Bob Lyman. “This will be a positive thing whereas I am not sure what the other will be.”

“Considering what I have seen done around here and what some places look like versus what they should look like, I think that you’ve got a winner here,” said MTAB member Don Davis. “At least what is going on here, you know. Given the unknown of who might be on the property, I’d feel pretty good about this, personally.”

Schreiber made a motion to approve the requests. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.