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Johns Creek commission approves rules to let churches establish small accessory cemeteries in AG1
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to approve a text amendment allowing churches with existing special use permits in AG1 zoning to establish small accessory cemeteries if they meet seven standards, including a 20-acre minimum, a cap of four burials, screening and a 200-foot separation from property lines.
The Johns Creek Planning Commission on July 8 voted to recommend a zoning text amendment that would let an existing church, temple or place of worship in the AG1 district establish a small accessory cemetery if it meets defined standards. The motion to approve was seconded and the commission recorded, "Motion passes 6 0."
Director Song, who presented the proposal, said the change is intended to allow congregations to honor founders and other community contributors on site. "The purpose of this is to, give them the ability to honor those who have made a significant community contribution to their established congregation," he said. The proposal replaces prior separate definitions for human and pet cemeteries with a single definition that excludes crematoriums.
The amendment sets seven standards for accessory cemeteries in AG1: the parcel must be 20 acres or larger; access must be from a public principal or minor arterial; a maximum of four burial plots or a single mausoleum (totaling up to four internments) is allowed; the cemetery area must be a single designated spot not to exceed 1,000 square feet; mausoleums may be no taller than nine feet; a minimum 200-foot separation from property lines is required; and year-round screening must be provided (plantings composed of roughly 80% evergreen species and 20% deciduous, with specified caliper/height at installation).
Staff recommended approval of the ordinance changes as drafted. The commission will forward the recommendation to the City Council for final action under the city's approval process.
