This page contains information on the administration of public cemeteries and cemetery districts in Washington State, including statutory authority and sample documents, as well as the regulation of private cemeteries.
Overview
Many cities and towns in Washington operate municipal cemeteries. Many other cemeteries are operated by cemetery districts.
General Cemetery Statutes
- Title 68 RCW - Cemeteries, Morgues, and Human Remains
- Ch. 68.52 RCW - Public Cemeteries and Morgues - Provides for county morgues, burial, cemetery acquisition and improvements, city and town cemetery boards, cemetery improvement funds, and the creation of cemetery districts.
- Ch. 68.60 RCW - Abandoned and Historic Cemeteries and Historic Graves
- RCW 68.20.080 - Provides that cities and counties may regulate private cemeteries
- Title 98 WAC - Licensing, Department of (Cemetery Board)
- Washington State Department of Licensing Cemetery Licensing
- WAC 458-16-180 - Property Tax exemptions - Embalmers - Cemeteries
Municipal Cemeteries
At MRSC's last count, there were 78 cities and towns known to operate municipal cemeteries in Washington. Many municipal cemeteries are operated by the city parks department and maintained by the department's grounds personnel.
Cemetery Districts
Cemetery districts may also be established to maintain and operate local cemeteries, pursuant to RCW 68.52.090 - .330. The formation of these districts must be approved by voters, and the districts are governed by a board of three elected commissioners who serve staggered six-year terms (RCW 68.52.220).
Cemetery districts elections must conform with general election laws, except there is no primary election to nominate candidates. Instead, all candidates appear on the general election ballot, and the candidate receiving the largest number of votes for each position is elected (RCW 68.52.155).
Cemetery districts may levy a nonvoted property tax up to 11.25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value and may not contract indebtedness in any year exceeding the aggregate amount of the currently levied taxes (RCW 68.52.290; RCW 68.52.310). The county treasurer receives and disburses all district revenues and taxes using a dedicated cemetery district fund (RCW 68.52.280).
Cemetery districts may also levy one-year excess levies for operations and maintenance, subject to 60% voter approval and minimum validation (voter turnout) requirements (RCW 84.52.052 and Washington State Constitution, Article VII Section 2).
Disposal of Remains of Indigent Persons
Historic Preservation
Examples of Cemetery Documents
General Ordinance Provisions - Cemetery Board, Rules and Regulations, Fees
- Anacortes
- Auburn
- Bellingham
- Bayview Cemetery
- About Bayview Cemetery - Includes price guide, cemetery maps, cemetery records (alphabetical list of internments), about Bayview (mission statement, history, tours, trees), frequently asked questions, and a photo gallery
- Administration and Operation of Bayview Cemetery - Administration and operation, memorial sales, contracting at-need services, contracting pre-arrangement services, and cancelling or changing pre-arrangement contracts
- Municipal Code Ch. 8.08 - Cemetery Operation
- Burlington
- Camas Cemetery - Includes rules and regulations, purchasing and scheduling, cemetery data base
- Edmonds
- Kirkland
- Langley
- Mason County Cemetery District No. 1 Twin Firs Cemetery - Includes commissioners, bylaws and policies, and a catalog of graves
- Okanogan County Code Ch. 2.56 - Cemeteries and Cemetery Districts - Regulations and cemetery districts created
- Island County Cemetery District No. 2 Sunnyside Cemetery - Includes rules and regulations, monument maintenance, history, burial listings, commissioners
- Walla Walla
- Washougal Memorial Cemetery
Historic Public Cemeteries
Cemetery Plans
- Camas Cemetery Master Plan (2009) – Identifies five major goals regarding database/information system, service expectations, financial stability, maximizing property to meet future needs, and developing a strong volunteer/donation program.
- Kirkland Cemetery Business Plan (2008) – Plan to increase cemetery revenue without substantially increasing costs; cemetery has no more burial plots remaining. Includes discussion of revenue and expenditure funds, costs of service, SWOT analysis, and debt service schedule.\
- Mabton Parks and Cemetery Comprehensive Plan (2015) – Five-year plan includes community needs, desired improvements, and level of service goals.
- Washougal Cemetery Operational Plan (2012) – 20-year plan includes improvements and phased projects to streamline customer service, enhance aesthetics, and address current trends in environmental awareness for maintenance methods and burial options.
RFPs/Bid Documents
Interlocal Agreements
Job Descriptions
- Edmonds Cemetery Sexton (2013) – Oversees, coordinates, and maintains municipal cemetery, including facilities, grounds, and equipment; assisting families with funeral arrangements; making purchases; collecting payments; and maintaining documents and permits.
- Leavenworth Parks/Cemetery Maintenance Worker (2018) – Basic maintenance and repair of city parks, facilities, cemetery grounds, rights-of-way, and other facilities. Part-time, seasonal position.
- Skamania County Cemetery District Grounds Maintenance Worker (2014) – Full-time position; may be reduced to 80% during winter.
- Sumner Cemetery Administration Manager (2015) – Develops cemetery management policies and procedures; hires and manages cemetery staff
Fee Schedules
Recommended Resources