Planning commissioners forward family cemetery request on 47-acre Graham County parcel

A Graham County property owner told the Planning and Zoning Commission they plan to place a family cemetery on a 47-acre parcel and asked the commission to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. Commissioners voted in favor and the item will be considered again at the Board of Supervisors.

The applicant said the land was acquired by their parents in the 1950s, that family members are buried across the river, and that the parcel’s 47 acres would accommodate a private, family-only cemetery. The applicant said neighbors who were notified signed the notice and that the commission received no letters of opposition.

Planning staff told commissioners the circumstance is common and indicated no immediate staff objections were raised during the hearing. Commissioners discussed briefly and a member said “I’d like to make a motion favorable to move it forward.” Another commissioner seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote. The applicant will appear before the Board of Supervisors at a later hearing; the transcript did not specify an exact calendar date.

No county code sections, state statutes, or additional conditions were cited on the record during the discussion. The commission’s action at this meeting was a recommendation only; the Board of Supervisors will make the final zoning decision.