Dirt Cheap Resting Place: Your Backyard the Final Frontier? (In Pennsylvania, at Least)
Ever dreamt of spending eternity kicking back in your favorite lounging spot? You know, permanently chilling, six feet under the azalea bushes? Well, my friend, in the great state of Pennsylvania, that dream might be closer than you think! But before you dust off your shovel and pick out a cozy patch, let's unearth the facts about getting buried on your own property.
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| Can I Be Buried On My Own Property In Pennsylvania |
The Good News: Keystone State Says "Maybe"
Unlike some uptight states (looking at you, California!), Pennsylvania doesn't have any laws explicitly forbidding a good old-fashioned dirt nap on your land. This means the possibility of a backyard burial is alive and kicking! However, hold your horses (or, well, hold your hearse?) There's a bit more to navigate before you become one with your petunias.
Local Laws: The Zoning Dictators
Just because Pennsylvania gives the thumbs up, doesn't mean your local township is on board. Zoning ordinances are the real bosses when it comes to private burials. Think of them as the neighborhood HOA for the afterlife. They might have restrictions on where you can be eternally horizontal, so a chat with your local zoning board is a must.
Here are some things zoning laws might regulate:
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
- Minimum lot size: They might not want a cemetery springing up in the middle of a postage stamp-sized lot.
- Distance from wells or waterways: Nobody wants their drinking water haunted (literally).
- Location on the property: Front yard mausoleum? Probably not. Cozy spot behind the shed? Maybe more likely.
Remember: Every township is different, so get the official lowdown before you start digging.
The Not-So-Fun Extras (Because There Are Always Extras)
Even if the stars align with local zoning, there's still a bit of a checklist to tackle:
- Permits: You'll likely need a permit from the local registrar to officially, well, bury your dead.
- Funeral Director: In Pennsylvania, you might need to involve a licensed funeral director, even for a backyard burial. They can help with the legal stuff and ensure everything is above board (pun intended).
- The Big Dig: Let's face it, digging a grave isn't exactly a walk in the park (especially if your park is more Central Perk than national forest). Consider getting some muscle or professional help.
So, Can You Do It?
The answer, like a freshly turned grave, is: it depends. Pennsylvania allows for the possibility, but local laws are the final say. Do your research, chat with the local zoning board, and be prepared to navigate some bureaucratic hurdles.
QuickTip: Reading carefully once is better than rushing twice.
But hey, if you succeed, you might just be the coolest ghost on the block (literally...because you'll be underground).
Frequently Asked Backyard Burial Questions:
How to find out about local zoning laws?
Contact your township or county zoning board. They'll have all the dirt (pun again, sorry!) on what's allowed in your area.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
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How to get a permit for a home burial?
Check with your local registrar's office. They'll give you the scoop on the paperwork and any fees involved.
How to find a funeral director who can help with a home burial?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Look for funeral homes that offer green burial services. These directors are familiar with alternative burial options, including home burials.
How deep should a grave be?
Generally, graves should be at least 3-4 feet deep. However, local regulations might specify a minimum depth.
How to make sure future property owners know about a burial on the land?
File a map of the burial location with the deed to your property. This will help avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line (for both you...and future homeowners).
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