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Council approves special‑use permit for crematorium (applicant discusses 'aquamation')
Summary
After a quasi‑judicial hearing, council found the proposed crematorium would not endanger public health, injure neighboring uses, or conflict with the land‑use plan and unanimously approved the special‑use permit for 1409 West Grantham Street; the applicant discussed using aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) as an environmentally friendly option.
Planning staff presented the special‑use permit request for a crematorium (with aquamation mentioned) at 1409 West Grantham Street, an industrially zoned site currently described as a former storage building. The staff brief covered separation criteria, floodplain compliance, site access, operating hours, and required state licensing.
The applicant, Leticia Washington, said she is "leaning toward aquamation services" and described the process as "a potassium hydroxide and water mix" that breaks down remains then uses a bone dryer; she said her interest is in an environmentally safe option. Planning staff noted compliance requirements under North Carolina General Statutes and the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service and discussed that the city has other locations providing cremation services.
Council moved through the required quasi‑judicial findings (public health/safety; injurious effect on adjoining property; harmony with area development; conformity with the comprehensive plan). Each of the four motions passed unanimously and the special‑use permit was awarded. Council also asked staff to confirm whether adjacent businesses provided cremation services and to ensure any required North Carolina licensing is on record.
What's next: Applicant must satisfy technical review committee requirements, obtain a commercial building permit and final inspections, and secure required state licensure before operations begin.
