Adams County commissioners deny permit for crematorium at A Better Place after intense public debate

Adams County commissioners unanimously denied a conditional use permit that would have allowed A Better Place Funeral Home to add a crematorium to its property at 7261 Washington Street, concluding a lengthy hearing on Aug. 13 filled with both emotional testimonials and technical testimony.

The case (RCU2022-18) surfaced in front of the Board after staff recommended denial, citing incompatibility with the county's Wellby subarea plan. Planner Bridal Maron summarized the record in the staff report, noting prior continuances, notice to 335 nearby property owners, and 79 written public comments (52 in support, 27 opposed). The Planning Commission had recommended denial by a 5-2 vote.

Attorney Carolyn White, representing the applicant, and owner Jennifer Connell emphasized the local need for on-site cremation capacity and the funeral home's service to lower-income families. "We are on track to serve approximately 1,200 families losing a loved one in 2024," Jennifer Connell told commissioners, describing long waits for returns of cremated remains when using off-site facilities.

Drew Hill, an environmental specialist for the equipment manufacturer Matthews Environmental Solutions, described the proposed equipment and controls, including a two-chamber combustion system and an opacity monitor set at a 10% threshold that will trigger machine shutdown and alarm. "At 10% opacity ... these monitoring systems will shut down the machine," Hill said, describing automated safeguards and remote monitoring.

Opponents cited health and environmental concerns. Residents and representatives from neighborhood organizations and Mapleton Public Schools testified about cumulative pollution in Welby, the potential for mercury and dioxin releases from cremation, and the project's effect on the neighborhood vision for mixed-use residential redevelopment. "We already have multiple furnaces in this neighborhood," said one resident, urging the commissioners to consider cumulative impacts.

County staff clarified permitting: any crematorium would require an Air Pollutant Emissions Notice (APEN) from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), which sets permit conditions and enforces compliance. Megan Grant, the county's built-environment impact specialist, explained that APENs require self-monitoring and reporting and are enforced by CDPHE inspections.

Despite acknowledging the applicant's community role and the technical controls described by the applicant, multiple commissioners said the record left unresolved questions about long-term community harmony and the sufficiency of monitoring tied primarily to annual reporting. "There is a lot of room for error and a lot of room for pollution to expand," the Chair said while explaining the reasoning that aligned with staff's recommendation.

A motion to deny RCU2022-18 with one finding of fact carried unanimously. The Board closed the public hearing and recessed for a study session.

What happens next: denial of the conditional use means the applicant may revise the proposal, pursue a different site, or seek other legal avenues; any future operation of a crematorium at the site would still require CDPHE permitting and local approvals applicable to the revised plan.

Sources: Staff presentation and packet for RCU2022-18; testimony by Carolyn White (attorney for the applicant), Jennifer Connell (owner, A Better Place), Drew Hill (Matthews Environmental Solutions); public testimony; Board deliberations and roll call vote.