Can you legally bury a body in your back yard in Georgia? Here’s what state law says
Losing a loved one is never easy and with funeral costs these days, the whole experience can be absolutely daunting.
Georgia burials cost more than $7,800 and while cremations are cheaper than burials, they can still cost up to $3,000. Cremations also have a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before it can be performed in the Peach State.
After reviewing all of this, you may be thinking what other choice you have. However, burying your loved one on your property (formally called home burial or home funeral) is an option. Here’s what to know:
Is it legal to bury a body in your backyard?
According to U.S. Funerals Online, there are no state laws prohibiting burying a body on your own property in Georgia.
However, there is one county in the Peach State that has specific laws surrounding home burials: Macon-Bibb County.
In Macon-Bibb County, you must get a permit.
To get a permit, you’ll need the following:
Apply for a permit with a Macon-Bibb engineer
A plat of survey of the property (survey that shows the borders of the property) prepared by a state-registered land surveyor
The survey must show at least two acres of land for the burial site/cemetery
The location of the proposed cemetery must be compatible with adjacent land uses, existing or proposed highways and any other elements or factors deemed by Macon-Bibb County to affect the public health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the area surrounding the proposed location (such as wells and ground water, the potential for pollution of nearby streams, lakes and other waters)
A buffer area (at least 10 feet in width) with trees and shrubbery surrounding all sides of the grave site
A survey that shows the cemetery is not within an area of flood risks
Clearly marked boundaries with concrete or metal pins
A private access and exit to and from the site
After you receive your permit, there are even more requirements before participating in a home burial in Macon. Check out the full list online.
Here are some things to remember
In other parts of the state, there are no specific laws prohibiting home burials, but there are some things to consider.
According to U.S. Funerals Online, checking with your local zoning office is a good idea. You should also clearly map out where your burial site will be located. It is also highly recommended that you plot at least 150 feet away from any water sources and 25 feet away from power lines.
Other considerations:
Embalming is not required in Georgia
A casket is not required in Georgia, but some sort of container is required
You don’t have to have a licensed funeral director
Have you or someone you know performed a home burial? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published July 20, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
