Draggoo appeals crematory decision from 2021

WORLAND — The Worland Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission discussed scheduling appeals hearings for two items for Veile Mortuary during their regular meeting April 11.

Bill Hibbler, attorney for Clayton Draggoo of Veile Mortuary said they were appealing two separate matters, a building permit for a 10-foot expansion of the garage and a building permit for a crematory, both at 301 South Eighth.

The board in June of last year did approve a variance to allow the expansion of the garage. Approving the variance did not include approving a building permit.

He told the board that the appeal for the garage expansion may not be needed after they provide Building Official Randy Adams with some information. If the hearing is necessary it would likely take an hour. He said he would estimate needing six to eight hours for the hearing appealing the board’s decision on the crematory.

In April 2021, the BAPC unanimously opposed a special exemption that would allow a crematory at 301 South Eighth. At the time, city code and zoning matrix did not address crematories.

The board has since recommended to the council and the council approved in August to allow crematories as a permitted use (no exemptions required) in industrial zones only.

City Attorney Kent Richins said allowing the taped three to four-hour deposition of Building Official Randy Adams would shorten the hearing time.

Chairman Scott Fritzler said the board members were all volunteers with full-time jobs so a six- to eight-hour hearing may be difficult.

There was discussion of the hearing being held over a few evenings, or starting in the late afternoon and continuing into the evening.

Hibbler asked about a Saturday hearing and the board said it would not work with most of the members’ schedules.

The board agreed to work together to come up with some dates and possible times for the lengthy hearing and give the options to both attorneys.

Hibbler said he was available all of June, July and September but was booked in August.

SITE PLAN

In other business, the BAPC approved the site plan application from Matt Earl and Earl Rentals LLC to build a garage behind Rocky Mountain Framing at 1600 Big Horn Avenue. The garage would be used for storage for the business.

Adams said they have met all the yard, parking and landscaping requirements.