Commission approves permit for 10-acre private cemetery in White Hills

The Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special-use permit Nov. 12 to allow a private 10-acre cemetery on assessor’s parcel 31745073 in the White Hills area.

Planning staff said one letter of opposition had been received. The applicant and on-line representative (Mr. Holtry) told the commission the parcel would be used as a cemetery and that they did not intend to sell burial plots. "We are not trying to sell any of these lots," the applicant said; "This is completely... free lots." Staff and commissioners clarified that cemeteries are exempt from property taxes and that the special-use approval will require a site plan showing layout and capacity.

Commissioners asked whether the permit would cover the entire parcel and how many plots could be established; staff said the zoning ordinance sets no specific numeric limit on plots and that the SUP process requires a site plan to show how the use will be organized. Commissioners compared the application to past family-oriented cemetery permits and noted this application is broader because it does not include a residence on the property.

A motion to approve the permit, with separated conditions, was made and the commission voted in favor. The action forwards the commission’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; it does not, by itself, change tax status or finalize site plan details.