HUNTERSVILLE – Huntersville Commissioners voted Monday, Oct. 3, to allow funeral homes to build crematories as long as funeral directors get board approval first.
After some discussion, commissioners said funeral homes could build the structures but must meet air quality standards set by the state and be set back 50 feet from the property line. They also must not emit any “noticeable” odors, the text amendment said.
Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, at the corner of N.C. 115 and N.C. 73, had requested the ability to add a crematory to their building, but the town had no ordinance in place governing such facilities.
The board approved a special-use permit for funeral homes in highway-commercial zoning districts to allow crematories.
Commissioners Ron Julian and Sarah McAulay voted in favor of approving the measure with Charlie Jeter and Danae Caulfield voting against. Mayor Jill Swain broke the tie. Now that the policy has been created, Raymer-Kepner will have to return to the board with another request to build a crematorium.