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Board approves funeral‑home use variance to allow in‑building preparation but bars cremation
Summary
The Board granted a use variance June 1 letting a funeral home at 6110 Green Lot Road resume preparation services (embalming/grooming) but added an explicit prohibition on cremation after nearby church representatives voiced health, traffic and child‑safety concerns.
The Mobile Board of Zoning Adjustment on June 1 approved an application to amend a prior use variance and allow in‑building preparation of human remains at a property historically used as a funeral home at 6110 Green Lot/Greot Road, with the explicit condition that cremation services not be conducted at the site.
Applicant representatives said the building was constructed and permitted originally as a funeral home and that they do not plan to offer cremation at this location. John Val, presenting for B. Brown and Company Mortuary, said the building contains a preparation room and that the owner seeks to clarify allowable funeral services. Staff confirmed earlier permits showed a preparation room and the applicant offered to restrict cremation use.
Christ United Church, which operates a large weekday childcare and children's programs adjacent to the site, submitted comments and Rob Blackwell spoke at the hearing. The church raised concerns about sanitation, hazardous materials storage, traffic changes and impacts on children. "The concern is about the health and welfare of the people and particularly the children," Blackwell said, asking for protections if prep services are allowed.
After deliberation the board approved the request with conditions including no cremation at the property and specified findings of fact and site corrections noted by staff. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Next steps: conditions are now part of the variance approval; staff will follow up on the site corrections and ensure required permits and recorded conditions are in place.
