Holy Trinity Lutheran Church seeks permit for columbarium in Thousand Oaks

The Planning Commission meeting held on January 27, 2025, in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, focused on a significant proposal from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The church is seeking a special use permit to construct a columbarium, a structure designed to house the ashes of cremated remains. This initiative aims to provide a final resting place for community members, allowing them to be interred close to their place of worship.

Pastor Eric Gaynor presented the church's case, explaining that the columbarium aligns with a long-standing tradition of having gravesites near churches. He emphasized the importance of offering a space for families to visit their loved ones, particularly as the city currently lacks a cemetery within its limits. The proposed columbarium would not only serve the church's congregation but could also benefit other religious facilities in Thousand Oaks, as the church is willing to share its resources with other faith communities interested in similar projects.

The pastor highlighted the practical advantages of a columbarium, noting that it provides a more affordable alternative to traditional burial methods. This option is increasingly appealing to families facing financial burdens during difficult times. The church's proposal includes an innovative design called an osserarium, which features both outdoor niches for urns and a central area for soft urns, accommodating a larger number of interments.

The church has already raised over $100,000 through a fundraising campaign, with contributions from 19 households. Many families are eager to inter their loved ones' remains, some of whom have been waiting for the necessary permits to be finalized. The church's leadership expressed gratitude to the city and the planning commission for their support in amending municipal codes to allow for this project.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions from the commissioners, indicating that the proposal is moving forward in the approval process. The establishment of the columbarium is seen as a vital step in addressing the community's needs for end-of-life services, reinforcing the church's commitment to serving its members throughout their lives and beyond.