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Chickasha council amends zoning to allow crematoriums on review after safety and notice debate
Summary
The Chickasha City Council voted to amend the zoning code to permit crematoriums in C-2 commercial districts through the use-on-review process, after councilmembers raised concerns about emissions, notice distance and whether pet cremation would be allowed.
The Chickasha City Council voted to amend the city zoning code to authorize crematoriums as a use permitted on review in general commercial (C-2) districts, a change that lets applicants seek Planning Commission review and a final council decision.
Council opened a public hearing on the change to chapter 54, section 54-41(c)(2) after staff said the Planning Commission had recommended the amendment. A representative of Ferguson Funeral Home attended planning and voiced support for the change. The ordinance (identified in the meeting packet as 20-25-11) passed on roll call; one councilmember recorded a No vote.
Several councilmembers used the hearing to press for stricter notice and technical details before any crematorium is approved. One councilmember asked whether the 300-foot notice radius would adequately inform nearby residents and businesses and asked whether that distance should be reconsidered. Another raised questions about the facility’s potential emissions and long-term effects, specifically noting concerns about mercury from dental amalgams, implants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, referred to in the hearing as “forever chemicals”).
A different councilmember and staff said modern crematoriums use multiple filtration stages, including HEPA filtration, and said those measures greatly reduce particulate emissions. Councilmembers also noted state licensing and oversight may apply; staff said they would verify which state entity issues any required permits or licenses.
Council members clarified the zoning change does not itself authorize construction or operation of a crematorium; it only makes the use eligible to apply for review. If an applicant proceeds, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing with mailed notices to nearby properties, make a recommendation, and the council would take a final vote on any specific proposal.
The ordinance applies only to C-2 zoned properties as written; council discussion indicated it would not open industrial zones by this amendment. The ordinance passed with the majority of roll-call votes in favor and one dissenting vote.
Council agreed on next steps: adding procedural checks and confirming state permitting requirements before any application is approved. The ordinance takes effect per the language in the adopted text.
The council adjourned after the vote; no specific crematorium application was under final consideration at this meeting.
