Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CD - Community Development

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: June 16, 2026

Summary:

Establish a temporary moratorium on the establishment of Family Burial Grounds and directing Community Development to develop implementing requirements

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature enacted Substitute House Bill 2239 (SHB 2239), including Section 8 and Section 3(b)(iii), authorizing the establishment of family burial grounds under certain circumstances and expressly preserving the authority of counties and cities to enact ordinances regulating or prohibiting the establishment of family burial grounds or the expansion of existing family burial grounds; and

WHEREAS, SHB 2239 establishes a new land use activity that is not currently addressed by the Lewis County Code, Comprehensive Plan, zoning regulations, development standards or permitting framework; and

WHEREAS, family burial grounds may create impacts requiring further evaluation, including but not limited to impacts on critical areas, shorelines, drinking water sources, groundwater resources, setbacks from property lines and public rights-of-way, future land divisions, access, and title and property records; and

WHEREAS, new rules in Chapter 68.32 RCW, pursuant to SHB 2239, effective June 11, 2026, allow for recording of family burial grounds recorded before Lewis County has adopted an appropriate regulatory framework to address potential impacts; and

WHEREAS, additional analysis is necessary to determine appropriate standards governing the siting, establishment, operation, maintenance, expansion, recording and long-term management of family burial grounds; and

WHEREAS, RCW 36.70A.390 authorizes counties planning under the Growth Management Act to adopt moratoria and interim official controls, provided that a public hearing is held within sixty (60) days of adoption and findings of fact are adopted in support of such action; and

WHEREAS, a temporary moratorium is necessary to preserve the status quo and protect public health, safety and welfare of Lewis County residents while the County evaluates impacts and establishes appropriate implementing regulations to address this newly authorized land use activity.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) finds it in the public best interest to adopt an emergency interim land use control imposing a six (6) month moratorium, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.390, on the establishment, approval and recording of family burial grounds and internment of deceased family members in unincorporated Lewis County, effective immediately upon passage; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the BOCC directs the Department of Community Development to produce development regulations and permitting framework regarding family burial grounds.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 16th day of June, 2026.