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Natural Burial Plot Requirements for Texas

The natural burial process involves interring the body of a deceased person without provisions that will slow the process of decomposition. In the state of Texas, individuals interested in natural burial for themselves or loved ones must follow laws and provisions provided by the state regarding the creation of a burial plot.

  1. Location

    • Texas requires that all burial plots be located a minimum distance from populated areas, whether the plot is located in a public cemetery or a family cemetery. All plots must be located at least a mile away from any populated area with 5,000 to 25,000 inhabitants. For areas with higher populations, the required distance increases.

    Depth

    • According to Texas law, any body buried without an outer burial vault must be in accordance of depth requirements. Graves located in impermeable material must be buried so the top surface of the burial container is at least 1 1/2 feet below the surface. Graves in soil that is not impermeable must be buried with the top side of the container at least 2 feet below the surface. In certain cases requiring modified burial requirements, provisions can be made if approved by the local governing body.

    Records

    • Any plot to be used for private burial purposes must be surveyed and registered with local county clerks. This ensures that it is common knowledge going forward that the area contains a grave, preventing the chance of unknown disturbance in the future. Once registered, proper records should be kept and filed with the county regarding locations of any bodies interred in the area.

    Method of Disposition

    • Texas law stipulates that deceased bodies may be buried, entombed, cremated or donated to science for study. When using natural burial, it may be desired to forego the embalming process to preserve the body. This is allowed by Texas law, but any body that is to skip the embalming process must be buried within 24 hours, unless the body is refrigerated or encased in an odor-free container. Outer burial containers, such as vaults, are not required by Texas law.

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