No direct burial or otherwise at your property, in California!

In California, it is generally illegal to bury a deceased person's body on private property, such as in a backyard. State law mandates that human remains must be interred in established cemeteries. Specifically, the California Health and Safety Code § 8115 stipulates that burials must occur in cemeteries authorized by local city or county authorities .Trigard+2Nolo+2Sacramento Bee+2

Attempting a home burial without proper authorization can lead to legal consequences. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $10,000, and potential jail time .GREEN BURIAL COUNCIL

However, there is a legal pathway to establish a private cemetery on your property, though it involves a complex and often lengthy process. This includes applying to local authorities to designate a portion of your land as a family cemetery, ensuring compliance with zoning laws, and obtaining the necessary permits. This option is more feasible in rural areas where zoning regulations may be more accommodating .California State Board of EqualizationTrigard

If you're interested in alternative burial options that allow for more personal or environmentally friendly practices, you might consider natural burial grounds or green cemeteries. These are established cemeteries that permit eco-friendly burials without embalming fluids or non-biodegradable materials. California has several such cemeteries, including Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley and Purissima Cemetery near Half Moon Bay .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia

For those considering cremation, California law provides more flexibility. Cremated remains can be kept at home, scattered in designated areas, or buried on private property, provided local zoning laws permit it and the necessary permissions are obtained .Blog | Rose Mortuaries & CremationSmart Cremation+2allcaliforniacremation.com+2aCremation+2

In summary, while direct burial on private property is generally prohibited in California, there are legal avenues and alternative options available for those seeking more personalized or environmentally conscious end-of-life arrangements.

Also note:

In California, it is generally illegal to bury a deceased person's body on private property. State law mandates that human remains be interred in established cemeteries. Violating this law can result in a misdemeanor charge, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and possible jail time .Sacramento BeeGREEN BURIAL COUNCIL

However, there have been rare exceptions, particularly in rural areas. For instance, in one case, a family buried their son on their 1,100-acre property. Although initially met with resistance from local authorities, they eventually obtained the necessary burial permit after legal intervention .SevenPonds Blog+1Trigard+1

These exceptions are uncommon and typically require navigating complex legal and bureaucratic processes. Anyone considering a private burial must obtain the appropriate permits and ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations. It's advisable to consult with local authorities and legal experts before proceeding.Trigard+3GREEN BURIAL COUNCIL+3Wikipedia+3Trigard

For those interested in alternative burial methods, California has approved human composting (natural organic reduction) as a legal option, set to take effect in 2027 .Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1