Board tables special‑use permit for 10‑acre private Muslim cemetery in White Hills

The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 1 opened and then tabled a public hearing on a proposed special‑use permit (BOS Resolution 2025‑200) to allow a private 10‑acre cemetery in the White Hills area (APN 317‑45‑073).

Applicant Mohammad Faraz Iqbar told the board the private cemetery is intended to provide low‑cost burials for Muslim families, that the land was donated by a community member, and that the group will rely on volunteers and allocated funds for long‑term maintenance. He said the proposal currently targets the Muslim community only because resources are limited.

Planning staff said the planning commission recommended approval by a 5–3 vote and that commissioners raised concerns about using an entire 10‑acre parcel for cemetery use rather than a smaller portion as in past family private‑cemetery requests. Attorney Davis reminded the board of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and cautioned that conditions on religious parcels are constrained by federal law.

Supervisor Borelli moved to table the matter for additional research; the board approved a motion to hold the item until the Jan. 20 meeting so staff and supervisors can review site‑plan details, size and maintenance plans.

No county funding was requested; the applicant said he did not expect county support but would rely on volunteers and donated funds for upkeep. The board asked planning staff and applicant to provide additional site‑plan documentation and for staff to research the commission's objections before the continued hearing.