Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
WORLAND — The Worland Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission considered two locations for a new proposed crematory in Worland and left the decision on how to proceed with Veile Mortuary owner Clayton Dragoo.
Dragoo approached the city council on Feb. 5 about his proposal and was referred to Building Official Randy Adams and the BAPC. In a letter to Adams, Dragoo said he has two possible locations for a crematory, one where the mortuary is currently located at 301 South Eighth and a building at 114 Grace near the city shop. Dragoo said he has made an offer on that property with a closing date of March 31 but before closing he needs to know if the city will allow the use.
Adams told the BAPC that the mortuary is in a residential zone, which would require a variance. Under the variance process Dragoo must contact all neighbors about proposal, a public notice would need to be published three times in the newspaper and a public hearing prior to action by the BAPC, who would then make a recommendation to the city council.
Adams said that a crematory is regulated as a commercial business and is different than a mortuary so the BAPC must consider it as a separate business. He also noted that a crematory is not noted in the city code.
Adams said the process could take up to two months.
Board member Landis Benson noted that there would be no guarantee that the variance would be granted depending on comments from neighbors.
The location at Grace is zoned industrial. Adams said the city already has a crematory in an industrial zone, the pet crematory at New Hope Humane Society. Since there is already a use granted in that zone, the process would be simpler and quicker, he said, with only a site plan and building permit required.
James Donahue said there are residences in both areas but Dan Frederick noted that the expectations are different for those living in an area zoned residential and those living in an area zoned industrial.
The board said they would wait for Dragoo to decide on which location and which process to proceed.