The Eaton County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing David and Brandy Fletcher to establish a private family cemetery on a 1.14‑acre parcel off Griffin Highway, subject to two conditions designed to preserve long‑term records and limit use.

Planner’s report said the cemetery use is permitted in a limited agricultural zone with a conditional use permit and cited state law and public‑health code requirements that apply to cemeteries. Staff reported approvals from the Drain Commissioner’s Office, the road commission (finding no impact to county roads) and the Eaton Conservation District, which expressed no concerns for family use only. Five surrounding property owners were notified and no written responses were received.

Walton Township’s clerk spoke at length, asking the commission to require that the cemetery operator provide a map identifying burial locations and the names of those interred to the township each time a burial occurs. The clerk described instances where abandoned family cemeteries led to difficulty locating graves and placed maintenance burdens on township governments. The clerk said that if the township ultimately becomes responsible for a neglected family cemetery, having burial records and maps is essential.

Commissioners incorporated the clerk’s request into the approval. The motion adopted two provisions: 1) burials limited to family members and 2) provision of complete burial information (at minimum a map of burials and names) to Walton Township at the time of each interment. Commissioners also discussed natural burial options; the township clerk confirmed natural burial can be allowed at the cemetery at the operator’s discretion and that vault requirements are a local operator decision within state rules.

The motion passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote. Staff said the conditional use permit will be mailed to the applicant with a signature line and that the county will track compliance with the conditions.