Cemeteries aren’t always obvious, and they don’t always leave visible traces above ground. Our cemetery specialists can help you navigate the complex rules and regulations governing cemeteries, which often differ for private and public clients and vary by state. From feasibility studies through cemetery removal and relocation, Legacy staff is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
How do I know if there is a cemetery on my property?
Legacy’s specialists can review background information available about the property to identify whether there is a likelihood for a cemetery to be present. We tailor the approach to the project and property so that we can consult the appropriate sources that may provide the best information. If there is a likelihood for a cemetery, field investigations may be necessary to determine the presence and extent of the cemetery. These investigations can also be tailored to the project needs.
What are my legal rights and responsibilities for cemeteries in my project area or on my property?
This can vary by state, but in Texas, there are legal provisions for both the landowner and the descendants that apply on both privately and on publicly owned land. We can help you understand your rights and any obligations you may have.
Can I just design around the cemetery?
Yes! Preservation is always the best option. But be aware that fences or other boundary indicators do not always reflect the actual cemetery boundaries. Over time, burial locations can become lost as temporary markers decay and permanent markers weather. Sometimes designing around cemeteries still requires field investigation or research to ensure your project won’t impact any burials.
How do I protect a cemetery?
If you are interested in preservation and/or historic designation for a cemetery, we can assist you. This could include everything from cleaning and headstone repair to documentation or preparing National Register of Historic Places documentation.
Help! I’ve accidentally disturbed a cemetery or burial on my property/project.
Sometimes in the course of making improvements to a property, burials are discovered unexpectedly. We can help you verify whether it is human, and navigate the legal framework surrounding this discovery, whether it is on public or private land.