Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-17-05-038 — WALDON PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC

Request: Special Exception in the A-2 zoning district to allow a funeral home and crematory. Case was denied at BZA on May 4, the applicant appealed that decision to the BCC. The BCC approved the case on July 11, 2017

Decision: Approved

Hearing: May 4, BZA Synopsis: Proposing a 4,100 sq. ft., one-story funeral home and crematory. The existing facility is located on SR 46 in Sanford. Staff advised the BZA that the proposed funeral home and cremation facility is not consistent with the development trend of the area and is not compatible with the surrounding land uses. The applicant clarified, that at their current location in Sanford, cremations are currently preformed off-site. The applicant also discussed cemeteries and animal crematories located near the subject property. The applicant pointed out other crematoriums and funeral homes that were located on 2 lane roadways. Some of these were in conjunction with a cemetery principal use. A crematory expert spoke about the state-of-the-art technology and the current processes related to cremations. He stated that there are no longer issues with smoke or odor with the new technology. Two other speakers in favor of the applicant's request. Staff received 16 commentaries in opposition, including 1 from City of Apopka, and no commentaries in favor. There was no opposition at the hearing. BZA discussed the case, in regards to traffic concerns. Staff advised if this request was approved, it could set a precedent for additional commercial uses in an agricultural area. Motion to deny the request and it passed on a 4-2 vote. *** July 11, 2017 BCC HEARING : Appeal of the recommendation of the Board of Zoning Adjustment on a request by applicant for a Special Exception in the A-2 zoning district to allow a funeral home and crematory. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to overrule the Board of Zoning Adjustment recommendation of May 4, 2017; and further, approve the request, subject to the six conditions in the staff report. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Mayor Jacobs, Commissioner Nelson, Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Clarke, Commissioner VanderLey, *