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Board amends UDO to allow crematoriums in I‑1 and I‑2 industrial districts
Summary
After a staff presentation and a unanimous board vote, New Hanover County amended the Unified Development Ordinance to add a statutory definition of crematoriums and allow the use in light and heavy industrial zoning districts (I‑1 and I‑2), with staff‑recommended parking and use standards.
New Hanover County commissioners voted unanimously July 13 to amend the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to add a definition for crematoriums and permit them in I‑1 (light industrial) and I‑2 (heavy industrial) districts.
Planning staff told the board the amendment responds to an applicant request by RS2 Enterprise LLC to relocate an existing crematorium operation. Staff reported that most comparable jurisdictions allow crematoriums in industrial districts, that state law already provides a definition for crematoriums, and that staff prepared use‑specific parking requirements (largely aligned with office parking plus two additional spaces for commercial vehicles).
Staff noted two industrially zoned crematoriums already operate in the county and recommended the amendment; the county planning board previously recommended approval. No members of the public signed up in opposition or support at the hearing.
A commissioner asked whether animal and human crematoriums should be treated differently; staff said they did not find operational differences from a regulatory perspective and thus saw no need to separate the uses in the ordinance. The board moved, seconded and approved the staff recommended language by voice vote.
