The Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a special‑use permit for a pet cemetery on a 4.4‑acre parcel on the east side of U.S. 301, limited to the interment and memorialization of cremated remains.

Applicant representatives said no on‑site cremation would occur, that remains would be placed or scattered in identified areas, and that a small office building would support daily visitor hours and staff. Staff recommended approval with conditions including buffers along the road and railroad and a requirement to fill gaps in existing tree cover.

Because the main sewer line lies across U.S. 301 and a connection would require substantial crossing work, the applicant requested a waiver to allow a septic system for the office. Utilities staff and the applicant agreed to a condition that if central water or sewer becomes available adjacent to the site the property would be required to connect; the board also added a requirement that any future expansion of building floor area or water usage would trigger a re‑evaluation and require connection.

Commissioners also required the project to use enhanced septic technology and to construct fences, buffers and landscaped screening as described in the staff report. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval earlier.

The motion to approve the special‑use permit, as amended to include the timeline and triggers for central‑utility connection, passed unanimously.