Amador County Planning Commission Meeting 9/8/26

The Amador County Planning Commission held a meeting on September 8, 2026, primarily to discuss the use permit application UP222-3 for the Gardens of New Cemetery project. The project proposed 1,832 grave sites on a 46-acre parcel and included infrastructure such as parking and restrooms. The commission heard extensive public testimony raising concerns about environmental impacts, including groundwater contamination, traffic and road safety, fire hazard risks, endangered species, and the adequacy of the environmental review. Multiple speakers argued that the mitigated negative declaration (MND) was insufficient and advocated for a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR). After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to deny the adequacy of the MND and subsequently denied the project application based on substantial evidence of potentially significant environmental impacts. The decision can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors. No contract awards, vendor selections, or budget allocations were discussed during this meeting.