A new proposal being considered by the city of Ames would allow crematories to exist in commercial zones.

Discussion on the topic was sparked by a funeral home moving into 2320 Lincoln Way, formerly Godfather’s Pizza. Although the funeral home was never planning to house a crematory, Steve Osguthorpe, director of Ames Planning and Housing, said it was still a good chance to review city policy.

Osguthorpe said crematories were not allowed in commercial zones, but were allowed in residential ones.

“I think it was probably an oversight at the time,” Osguthorpe said.

He said for a crematory to be built in a commercial zone, the owners would have to get a special use permit, which would then be reviewed by the city for any potential impacts on surrounding businesses.

Dennis Soderstrum, president of Soderstrum and Adams Funeral Homes, said crematories pose no health threats to area businesses.

Soderstrum said bodies are checked for radioactivity, pacemakers and other potential hazards before they are cremated.

If the owner properly maintains the crematorium and follows the regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency, no impact would be felt, Soderstrum said.

“There was a crematory on South Duff, and I don’t think anyone knew it was there,” Soderstrum said, referring to Pet Medical Center of Ames’ Rainbow Bridge Crematorium, 1415 S. Duff Ave.