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BZA approves conditional use for private cemetery at Francis Scott Key Highway property
Summary
Carroll County BZA approved a conditional use to allow a private cemetery on two parcels at 1218–1220 Francis Scott Key Highway after applicant testimony and agency reviews noted health‑department and site‑plan requirements.
The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional‑use application to establish a private cemetery on property addressed as 1218 and 1220 Francis Scott Key Highway (case 6551).
Board staff introduced the file and placed planning and agency memoranda into the record, including a planning memo finding the request consistent with the Carroll County Master Plan (2019) and Environmental Health comments that the proposed use “may not be acceptable unless it is demonstrated that there is an adequate water supply and adequate area for the installation of an initial and two replacement septic systems.”
Applicant Suzanne Keane testified and took the oath; she said the cemetery would allow for the burial of her husband and family members and described the roughly 1.25‑acre lot as a family site. Board members and staff discussed regulatory oversight and noted that other state and county agencies – including the health department – oversee burial‑ground registration and permitting.
After testimony was closed, a board member moved to approve the conditional use; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The chair said the board’s oral decision will be followed by a written decision issued within 30 days and explained the procedure for appellate review in the Circuit Court for Carroll County per Maryland Rules of Procedure.
Board members emphasized that the BZA’s role addressed land‑use approval only and that other necessary permits and registrations (health department, site‑plan, and other agency approvals) must be secured separately.
