Who regulates cemeteries in Texas?
The Texas Historical Commission or other state agencies do not enforce cemetery laws. This responsibility belongs to county and municipal law enforcement agencies. If you are aware of cemetery vandalism or desecration, contact your county sheriff or local police department.
Is it illegal to be in a cemetery after dark in Texas?
Any unauthorized person found on the cemetery grounds after dark will be considered a trespasser. 4. The use of any cemetery equipment or facilities may be refused at any time to any person or persons as the rules, judgment and custom may indicate.
Can you have a family cemetery on your property in Texas?
But according to the Texas health and safety code, a family or individual can declare their own cemetery on private land. So long as the land stays under 10 acres, it remains unregulated by the complex licensing rules of the funeral service commission. A body must be buried at least two feet below the surface.
Who is responsible for a grave?
The family which owns the Deed of Grant is responsible for the grave maintenance, subject to the rules of the authority which owns the cemetery and looks after the grounds. Some cemeteries can have quite strict regulations about things people are permitted to do and what is expected of them.
How do I set up a family cemetery in Texas?
Texas requires you to file a Certificate of Dedication of land as well. You must include a map to the plot with the filing along with the exact planned lay out of the cemetery. Observe easement and zoning laws and familiarize yourself with health and safety regulations.
Do they dig you up after 100 years?
When you buy a burial plot, often what you’re actually doing is buying a Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial, which is the right to decide who is buried there for a set period of time (usually about 25–100 years).
What happens when a grave owner dies?
If the grave owner has died, you must transfer the ownership of the grave to a living owner before you arrange any further burials in the grave. You also need to transfer ownership to a living owner to erect a new memorial or carry out any additional works on the grave.
Can you bury a relative on your property?
Burial laws differ from state to state. For most states, the answer is “Yes,” you can be buried on your property. Only three states have outlawed home burial. They are Indiana, California, and Washington.