Board approves pet aquamation facility after applicant explains process and utilities conditions

The Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve a conditional use permit for Gentle Pet Crossings to operate a pet funeral home and aquamation-based crematory at 1925 7th Court North, subject to staff conditions and a modification allowing the water and sewer utilities department to waive a grease-interceptor requirement if appropriate.

Staff described aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) and said the proposed facility would operate by appointment from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The applicant, Shani Chidina Branca, cofounder and CEO, said aquamation uses a primarily water-based alkaline process and asserted it produces no combustion emissions. "There are 0 direct emissions to the environment," she told the board, explaining the process is a 20-hour cycle using roughly 95% water and 5% alkali.

Branca said the company operates multiple locations, provides pickup services and memorial options, and planned to keep the existing location as a sanctuary while moving equipment to a warehouse-style unit. Staff and a board member discussed a water-and-sewer condition requiring a grease interceptor and agreed the board should allow the utilities director to waive that requirement if technical review supports a waiver. A nearby business submitted a written objection expressing concern about odors and air quality; Branca said she attempted outreach and reiterated the difference between aquamation and fire-based cremation.

A board member moved to approve the CUP with staff conditions and the utilities-waiver modification; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Required conditions include building permits, ADA compliance, industrial pre-treatment permitting, and other water/sewer measures; expansion or relocation would require a separate use approval.