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. Prior 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.

The Planning Commission is considering allowing family burial grounds on private property in zones where single family residences are allowed. Family burial grounds cannot be provided commercially. The area may be 10% of the lot size or 10,000 square feet, whichever is smaller. The edges of the family burial ground must be 25 feet from all parcel boundaries and 100 feet from a public right-of-way or easements. Family burial grounds would not be allowed in Category 1 Critical Aquifer Recharge Area or Shoreline jurisdiction and 150 feet from critical areas (e.g., wetlands, streams). Family burial grounds must be approved through a Master Site Review process with Department of Community Development and then the surveyed grounds must be recorded with the Auditor's Office. Please review the current staff report for the full proposal.

2026_08_03 Planning Commission Staff Report
2026-08-11 Planning Commission NOH Public Hearing
2026-07-28 Planning Commission Staff Presentation
2026-07-21 Planning Commission Staff Report
2026-07-14 Planning Commission Presentation
2026-07-06 Planning Commission Staff Report
2026-06-23 Planning Commission Staff Presentation
2026-06-16 Planning Commission Staff Report
2026-06-16 Resolution 26-190 – Moratorium

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.

Natalie Kamieniecki, Senior Long Range Planner
360-740-2606
natalie.kamieniecki@lewiscountywa.gov