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File #: 25-1308    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Public Hearing
File created: 10/29/2025 In control: Planning Commission
On agenda: 11/6/2025 Final action:
Title: Sacred Groves Kneeland Cemetery Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN): 314-131-088, 314-131-092, and 314-131-091 which includes a portion of 314-131-051 Record No.: PLN-2024-19115 Kneeland area A Conditional Use Permit for a green burial cemetery. Burials of human remains are proposed to occur in single plots and family groves at a maximum density of 120 graves per acre. Graves will be dug by hand to minimize impacts on plants and soil. Bodies and biodegradable burial materials will be buried in the root zone at a minimum depth of 18 inches. The site is currently managed for hay production, grazing and forest health and will continue with cemetery operations. Ceremonial tree plantings will be watered for one year with water from a rainwater catchment tank. The project will result in conversion of some hay field to oak savannah. The property entrance will be improved, and a short driveway, parking area, and a non-residential ceremonial structure will be constructed. Vi...
Attachments: 1. 19115 Staff Report 11.06.25, 2. Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution 19115, 3. Attachment 1A - Conditions of Approval 19115, 4. Attachment 1B - Mitigtion and Monitoring Program, 5. Attachment 1C - Site Plan, 6. Attachment 2 - Map Set, 7. Attachment 3 - CEQA-IS.MND and MMRP, 8. Attachment 3A - Site Plan, 9. Attachment 3B - Operations Plan, 10. Attachment 3C - 19115 HumCo PW response, 11. Attachment 3D - Road Report-Final, 12. Attachment 3E - Botanical Survey 2015, 13. Attachment 3F - Botanical Survey 2025, 14. Attachment 3G - Non-Commercial Timber Management Plan, 15. Attachment 3H - Geology-Soils-Suitability, 16. Attachment 3I - Oak Savanna Conversion, 17. Attachment 3J - Fire_Safe_Road_Checklist-Filled, 18. Attachment 4 - Referral Agency Comments and Recommendations, 19. Attachment 4A - DEH comments Sacred Groves Green Burial, 20. Attachment 4A - HumCo PW Comments
To: Planning Commission

From: Planning and Building Department

Agenda Section: Public Hearing

SUBJECT:
title
Sacred Groves Kneeland Cemetery Conditional Use Permit
Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN): 314-131-088, 314-131-092, and 314-131-091 which includes a portion of 314-131-051
Record No.: PLN-2024-19115
Kneeland area

A Conditional Use Permit for a green burial cemetery. Burials of human remains are proposed to occur in single plots and family groves at a maximum density of 120 graves per acre. Graves will be dug by hand to minimize impacts on plants and soil. Bodies and biodegradable burial materials will be buried in the root zone at a minimum depth of 18 inches. The site is currently managed for hay production, grazing and forest health and will continue with cemetery operations. Ceremonial tree plantings will be watered for one year with water from a rainwater catchment tank. The project will result in conversion of some hay field to oak savannah. The property entrance will be improved, and a short driveway, parking area, and a non-residential ceremonial structure will be constructed. Visitation to the cemetery will be limited by a locked gate.
end

RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1), which does the following:

a. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Sacred Groves, Inc. project pursuant to Section 15074 of the State CEQA Guidelines; and

b. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Attachment 1B); and

c. Make all required findings for approval of the Conditional Use Permit; and

d. Approve the Sacred Groves, Inc. Conditional Use Permit as recommended by staff and subject to the recommended conditions of approval (Attachment 1A)

Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Location: The project site is located in the Kneeland area, on the north side of Kneeland Road, approximately 1.5 miles southeast of the intersection of Butler Valley Road and Kneeland Ro...

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