Council continues hearing on family-home burials ordinance after public questions on setbacks and vault rules

On March 10 the Charlestown Town Council opened a public hearing on Ordinance No. 429, which would amend Chapter 130 (Family Home Burials), and continued the hearing to March 24 to allow staff to review technical questions raised by residents.

Sponsor Councilor Sloane said the ordinance grew from a citizen request to allow burial on private family land in limited circumstances and that staff drafted requirements and application steps. During public comment several residents urged the council to limit setbacks and other restrictions so they are no more onerous than those that govern septic systems. William Colter, a resident, recommended that setback distances and other standards be aligned with on-site wastewater-treatment-system (OWTS) requirements, particularly for "green" or unembalmed burials; he noted state rules requiring vaults for embalmed remains in many cemeteries.

Councilors discussed whether a specific 400-foot potable-well setback in the draft was excessive and asked staff to review the proposed distances and technical language. Councilor Sloane and others agreed to have staff (including town planner/engineer Matt Dowling) examine setback distances and the draft language and return with revised recommended text. The council voted unanimously, 5-0, to continue the hearing to its March 24 meeting and asked staff to attend that meeting to answer technical questions.

No ordinance was adopted on March 10; the matter remains under review with further public comment expected at the continued hearing.