Guidelines for Establishing a Cemetery by an Individual

Prior to establishing the cemetery, a written report must be made to the Board of Commissioners containing the following information:

1. The names of the persons owning the property and requesting to establish a cemetery for the burial of human remains.
2. The legal description of the land sought to be dedicated for such a purpose.
3. The proposed capacity and limitations of the cemetery.
4. The maintenance the cemetery and associated costs.
5. Identity of the ownership of the properties that abut the proposed cemetery and impact, if any, on these properties.
6. The accommodations for ingress to and egress form the proposed site if over ten (10) grave spaces/lots are included.
7. The impact, if any, on the public health and sanitation.

After review of the report, the Commissioners shall cause an investigation to be conducted regarding the proposed burial site in accordance with the criteria outlined in 8 OS 183(c) which includes:

1. Confidential information regarding the financial standing character, qualifications, and experience of the organizers/managers of the property.
2. The adequacy of the initial investment in the proposed cemetery.
3. If a perpetual care cemetery, the adequacy of the planned perpetual care fund.
4. The proximity of the proposed cemetery to human dwellings and the sanitary conditions in regard to the location of the proposed cemetery.
5. The public necessity for the cemetery.

The Board shall then publish the location of the cemetery and announce a public hearing for comments in a local newspaper once a week for a period of two weeks.

Within 60 days after the public hearing. The Board shall render its findings and decision to the applicant and all persons who have entered an appearance. If the application is approved, the Board will issue a certificate of authority to the applicant.

The Board may charge the applicant for the expenses of the process up to $500.

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