Burrillville council refers resident’s request to create private family burial plot to ordinance subcommittee

Cynthia Green, a Burrillville resident, asked the Town Council on Oct. 8 to permit a private family burial plot on her property at 526 Gaza Road. The council reviewed a 2001 solicitor memo and provisions of Rhode Island law that govern the establishment of burial grounds.

Town Solicitor Kane and councilors outlined typical application requirements: a boundary survey, a defined right‑of‑way or access easement to a public road, a perpetual‑care plan for maintenance, and a statement limiting who is eligible for burial. "A permit is required before establishing a cemetery or place of burial," Kane advised, citing then‑current guidance and town ordinance language. Councilors emphasized the need to clarify whether a proposed site would be a public burial ground, which would trigger broader public‑access requirements, or a private family burial plot, which might allow administrative waivers.

Green told the council the planned plot would likely be small, intended initially for her and her husband, with one daughter and two granddaughters potentially involved in future decisions. She said she was willing to comply with town requirements but expressed concern about survey and excavation costs; she noted a contractor quote of $1,100 to dig three feet and said repeated openings could raise future costs.

Council members and legal counsel asked questions about long‑term ownership, access, and how future property sales could affect the burial plot. The solicitor recommended refining the town’s application process and suggested the council consider naming a committee to develop criteria for private burial plots.

Council President (presiding officer) moved — and the council approved — referring the petition to the ordinance subcommittee so staff and counsel can prepare specific application requirements and a recommended checklist for future applicants. The council also agreed to provide Green with a copy of the 2001 solicitor memo and to notify her of the subcommittee meeting date so she may participate.

Next steps: ordinance staff and the town solicitor will review statutory requirements (Chapter 18 of Title 23, Rhode Island General Laws) and return with draft application language and any recommended ordinance changes for council consideration.