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Commission OKs pet cemetery permit, waives required sewer hookup over cost concerns
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a special use permit for a pet cemetery limited to cremated remains on a 4.4‑acre parcel near S. US 301 in Summerfield, approving staff conditions except a required connection to centralized sewer was waived after the applicant said the cost to cross SR 301 would be prohibitive.
The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special use permit to allow a pet cemetery using cremated remains only on a 4.4‑acre agricultural parcel south of SE Highway 42 along S. U.S. 301 in Summerfield.
Sarah Wells, a planner with Marion County, described the proposal for a 900‑square‑foot office, scattering gardens, memorial statuary and two development phases. Wells said staff recommended approval with conditions that included connecting to central sewer "as required by Marion County Utilities." A utilities plan noted sewer is available via a long tap on the west side of U.S. 301 and that a connection would be required for the proposed commercial office building.
Applicant counsel James T. Hartley said the site is surrounded on three sides by utility infrastructure — a SECO electric substation, a FDOT water retention area and CSX tracks — and argued the pet cemetery would be a low‑impact use appropriate in the A‑1 zone. Hartley and the applicant requested a waiver from the centralized sewer hookup, saying the quoted cost to cross the state road was prohibitive; staff recorded a quote of $98,400 to make a sewer tie under SR 301.
Commissioner Andy Bonner moved to recommend approval of the special use permit with staff conditions but excluding condition No. 5 (the sewer connection requirement). Don Johnson seconded and the commission voted in favor. Bonner said he agreed with staff’s findings except for that sewer condition.
Wells said the applicant had submitted a letter of support and that staff would include any post‑publication materials into the hearing record for the County Commission. The recommendation now advances to the County Commission, where final action will be taken; the applicant requested the County Commission grant the sewer waiver if the commission deems the cost prohibitive.
The commission noted the applicant’s plan to limit burials to cremated remains and the applicant said they would provide memorials for service animals free of charge. Marion County Utilities comments remain in the record and will be considered at the County Commission hearing.
