Can you bury a relative at home in your backyard in North Carolina? Here’s what state law says

If you want to memorialize a relative on property you own, you’ll have to follow North Carolina lawsPhoto byEverlasting Memories

If you're considering memorializing a relative on your own property in North Carolina, it's important to be aware of the state's regulations regarding home burials and the scattering of ashes.

Home Burial Laws in North Carolina

In North Carolina, it is legally permissible to bury a body on private property, including your own land. However, certain conditions and guidelines must be met:

1. Distance from Public Water Supply:
2. • To prevent contamination, state law requires all burial sites to be located at least 300 feet from any public water supply. This ensures that the burial does not impact the quality of water that might be used by the public.
3. Depth of Burial:
4. • The burial site must ensure that the top of any burial vaults or other encasements is at least 18 inches below the ground. This regulation is in place to protect the remains and ensure they are sufficiently covered.
5. Local Zoning Requirements:
6. • Check with your local zoning office to ensure home burials are allowed. Ensure the burial site is not on a floodplain or susceptible to natural disasters.
7. Funeral Director and Casket:
8. • North Carolina law does not require the use of a licensed funeral director for home burials. Families can handle the burial themselves if they choose. However, if you decide not to use a funeral director, you will need to file a death certificate yourself. The death certificate must be filed with your county's register of deeds within five days of the death.
   • There is also no legal requirement to use a casket for a burial. This allows for more personalized and potentially eco-friendly burial options.

Scattering Ashes in North Carolina

For those considering cremation and the scattering of ashes, North Carolina law also provides clear guidelines:

1. On Your Own Property:
2. • You are allowed to scatter ashes on your private property without any legal restrictions. This provides a simple option for families wishing to keep their loved ones close.
3. On Someone Else's Property:
4. • If you wish to scatter ashes on property that you do not own, you must obtain written permission from the landowner. This written permission should then be provided to the crematory handling the ashes.