California Burial on Private Property

[JenDiggityDirt]

I'm interested to know the laws and codes related to burial on private property in California (Riverside County). I have been able to find information on private mausoleums, however I am interested in a "green" burial (no embalming fluid, quickly decomposing casket versus lead lined coffin or hardwood, no concrete vault). I have a large piece of land (20 acres) and it is bordered by BLM public land (no neighbors) and no established neighbors on two other sides of the property. The one neighbor I do have is several acres away. We are in an unicorporated area of the county and are in a dry, desert area where water is definitely at least a hundred feet deep. Part of the land has been designated as animal habitat under a HANS review, which we were told means we can plant on it, we can graze animals on it, we can do pretty much whatever we want except clear large portions of it or obtain a permit to build on it. If it's possible to be buried on this part of the land, that would be ideal, however I have other spots not in that designated area that would work as well. I look forward to hearing any advice or suggestions you can offer. Thanks!

 

[quincy]

In California, local municipalities are given jurisdiction over cemetary matters. Under California law, burials must be in an established cemetary (with an established cemetary meaning 6 or more bodies), but it is left up to local officials to okay any home burials in rural areas.

Some conditions, if they are amenable to the suggestion of a home burial, may be that the body is buried at least 150' from any water supply and at least 25' from any powerline or neighbor's boundary. Also, there would be restrictions placed on burial by the health department if the person to be buried suffered from any communicable disease.

You can be cremated in California and the ashes can be distributed, but there are limits as to where ashes can be scattered. Again, you would need to check with your local municipality to see if either the scattering of ashes or the burial of a body would be allowed on your property. (You may need to wait until you have a group of 5 to bury with you )

You can check out Chapter 3, section 7100-1003 of the California statutes for additional information, or check with your local government offices.