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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 8Pt. 3Ch. 3Art. 3§ 8550 Cemetery Land Survey Requirements

§ 8550 Cemetery Land Survey Requirements

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8550 Cemetery Land Survey Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •Cemeteries must make clear maps of their land, showing where people can be buried or where ashes can be kept.
  • •These maps must be easy to read, drawn on special material so they last a long time, and big enough to see all the details.
  • •If the cemetery changes or adds new sections, they must update the map and give a copy to the local government within a year of selling the first spot.

Example

A cemetery decides to add a new area for burials.

The cemetery must draw a new map showing the new burial spots and send it to the local government within a year of selling the first plot in that area. The map must be clear and last a long time so people can always find where their loved ones are buried.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8550 Cemetery Land Survey Requirements

Every cemetery authority, from time to time as its property may be required for interment purposes, shall: (a)  In case of land, survey and subdivide it into sections, blocks, plots, avenues, walks or other subdivisions; make a good and substantial map or plat showing the sections, plots, avenues, walks or other subdivisions, with descriptive names or numbers. (b)  In case of a mausoleum, or crematory and columbarium it shall make a good and substantial map or plat on which shall be delineated the sections, halls, rooms, corridors, elevations, and other divisions, with descriptive names or numbers. (c)  The maps or plats shall be clearly and legibly drawn, printed, or reproduced by a process guaranteeing a permanent record in black on tracing cloth or polyester base film. If ink is used on a polyester base film, the ink surface shall be coated with a suitable substance to insure permanent legibility. The size of each sheet shall be 18 by 26 inches or as otherwise prescribed by the county recorder or local agency. A marginal line shall be drawn completely around each sheet, leaving an entire blank margin of one inch. The scale of the map shall be large enough to show all details clearly and enough sheets shall be used to accomplish this end. The particular number of the sheets and the total number of sheets comprising the map shall be stated on each of the sheets and its relationship to each adjoining sheet shall be clearly shown. (d)  Upon modification of an existing section after January 1, 1990, or development of a new section after January 1, 1990, the cemetery authority shall amend and file with the county recorder or local agency the maps or plats as described in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c). Within 12 months of the initial sale, the cemetery authority shall file with the county recorder or local agency the map or plat. For purposes of this subdivision, “section” means a burial space, mausoleum, or columbarium. (Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 142, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1998.)

Last verified: January 24, 2026

Key Terms

propertyauthoritycemetery ownersintermentsubstancelegibilityrelationshipmodification

Related Statutes

  • § 8560 Cemetery Land Use Protection
  • § 8558 Cemetery Property Dedication Protection
  • § 8559 Cemetery Dedication Validity
  • § 8561 Cemetery Property Assessment Exemptions
  • § 8580 Cemetery Land Use Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 8550.
View Official Source