A property owner is seeking permission from local officials to build a pet cemetery near the Marion/Sumter County line.
A special use permit for permission to operate the pet cemetery will come before the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission during its upcoming meeting on Monday.
Owned by the Lawrence E. Nikola Jr. Family Trust, the 4.4-acre property has no address assigned and is currently vacant and undeveloped.
The parcel has U.S. 301 to its west, a retention pond and a CSX rail line to its east, and single-family residences to the south.
The proposed cemetery would consist of a 900-square-foot office building and grounds with a park-like atmosphere. A parking lot with ten spaces would also be built for visitors.
Proposed features include walking paths, a gazebo, water features, scattering gardens, and multiple monuments that would house cremated remains.
Additionally, any emergency service animals would have memorials erected “at no charge to the customer.”
According to the county staff report, the property owner has over 50 years of experience operating traditional cemeteries.
Regardless of the recommendation by the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision on the permit request.