N.C. Gen. Stat. § 65-77 (2026)
Minimum burial depth
When final disposition of a human body entails interment, the top of the uppermost part of the burial vault or other encasement shall be a minimum of 18 inches below the ground surface. This section does not apply to:
(1) Burials where no part of the burial vault or other encasement containing the body is touching the ground.
(2) Burials where the land is located in a family owned cemetery that was established by deed recorded prior to January 1, 1989, and the individual to be buried is to be buried in a surface burial vault in a manner similar to that of the individual's deceased spouse who was buried prior to January 1, 1981. (1995, c. 123, s. 16; 1999-425, s. 4; 2003-420, s. 8(b).)
§ 65-78: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-79: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-80: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-81: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-82: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-83: Reserved for future codification purposes.
§ 65-84: Reserved for future codification purposes.
Article 12.
Abandoned and Neglected Cemeteries.