Family Burial Grounds
During the 2025 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature adopted Substitute House Bill (SHB) 2239, which amended Chapter 68.32 RCW to authorize the establishment of family burial grounds on private property under specified conditions. The legislation became effective on June 11, 2026, and established standards governing the location, use, and recording of family burial grounds. Priori to June 11, family burial grounds and internment of deceased family members on private property was not allowed in Lewis County.
On June 16, 2026, Lewis County Board of County Commissioners passed a temporary six-month moratorium, prohibiting recording of family burial grounds an internment of deceased family members on private property. The moratorium allows the Department of Community Development, in coordination with the Auditor’s Office, Public Health & Social Services, and Public Works GIS, to establish local development standards and review procedures to comply with the new state laws.
Staff will propose Lewis County Code amendments to allow for family burial grounds. Those draft code amendments will be the subject of a public hearing before the Planning Commission, who will make a formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. The BOCC will also hold a public hearing before making a final decision.
Materials
2026-06-16 Planning Commission Staff Report
2026-06-16 Resolution 26-190 – Moratorium
Get Involved
Planning Commission meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to participate. Please visit the Community Development Event Calendar for more information. Please subscribe to the Lewis County Planning Announcements to receive notifications about upcoming opportunities.
Staff Contact
Natalie Kamieniecki, Senior Long Range Planner
360-740-2606