Is it OK in Ohio to bury a body in your back yard? Here’s what the law says
Funeral costs are higher than ever, with a full 2025 funeral costing $8,000 in Ohio, according to the World Population Review. Meanwhile, cremations are much cheaper, but still cost around $2,000. So, what other choices do you have when burying a loved one?
Well, a private home burial on your own property may be an option.
Let’s see if it’s legal first, though:
Is it legal to bury a body in your Ohio backyard?
According to Nolo Legal Encyclopedia, no state laws prohibit burying a body on your own property in Ohio. The Ohio Attorney General has explicitly stated that no board of township trustees or local board of may prohibit burial on private property.
But of course, you should check with a county or town clerk before conducting a home burial because there may be local zoning laws to follow when developing a family cemetery on private land.
Other things to remember about home burials in Ohio
When planning a home burial, it is a good idea to consider the following:
According to U.S. Funerals Online, creating a map of where your burial site will be located is encouraged. It is also highly recommended that you plot at least 150 feet away from water sources and 25 feet from power lines.
Other considerations: Embalming is not required in Ohio A casket is not required in Ohio, but there may be rules about containers You don’t have to have a licensed funeral director for a home burial
Have you or someone you know performed a home burial? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
