Board unanimously approves Smith Family Trust private cemetery conditional‑use permit

At a public hearing, planning staff described the Smith Family Trust request for a conditional‑use permit to allow a private family cemetery (0.84 acres) on a roughly 470‑acre agricultural parcel at 6200 Calvin Lee Road in Groveland. Staff said the application meets the county’s Land Development Regulations and comprehensive‑plan provisions and outlined standard conditions including setbacks, a five‑foot landscape buffer and inspections per the CUP.

Applicant Carol Smith told the commission the family had lost their son and that maintaining a family cemetery on the property was an important legacy objective. "We would appreciate it if you would approve it," Smith said. A motion to approve the CUP passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The approval establishes a family cemetery under county standards and clarifies setback, buffer and inspection requirements for the site. County staff will inspect the cemetery in accordance with code provisions.