Township approves new rules for green burials and scattering cremains
The Plainfield Township Board has amended the cemetery ordinance to establish rules for "green burials" and dedicated "scatter gardens" for cremated remains. The changes were adopted in response to resident interest. The ordinance defines these new options and sets requirements for burial containers, grave markers, and maintenance. The specific locations for these burial options will be designated by the Township Board in a future resolution.
The Township Board adopted the proposed amendments to Chapter 32, Article III (Cemeteries) on March 9, 2026. Motion by Jack Hagedorn, seconded by Frank Pfaff; roll call vote 7-0 in favor.
Minutes record: Motion by Jack Hagedorn and seconded by Frank Pfaff to adopt the proposed changes to the cemetery ordinance as presented Roll Call: Ayes: Reminga, Batey, Coleman, Hagedorn, Morrow, McKellar, Pfaff Nays: 0
Timeline
- Proposal introduced and public notice approved from agenda · published Feb 9, 2026
- Adopted Final from minutes · published Apr 15, 2026
Key facts
- The Township Board approved amendments to the cemetery ordinance on March 9, 2026.
- The amendments were prompted by interest from residents in allowing "green burials."
- A "green burial" is defined as an interment without embalming chemicals, metal caskets, or concrete vaults, using only biodegradable materials.
- Specific locations for "natural burial sections" and "scatter gardens" for cremains will be established by a separate Township Board resolution at a later date.
- The ordinance changes take effect seven days after being published in a local newspaper.
- The ordinance governs the two township-owned cemeteries: Plainfield Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery.
Discretion or exceptions
- The Township Board will decide the specific locations for "natural burial sections" and "scatter gardens" through a future resolution.
- The Township Superintendent has the final say in determining the "head" of a grave if it is unclear and can approve the growth of native tree seedlings in natural burial sections after they are full.
- Vehicles used to deliver remains to a natural burial section grave may require approval from the Township Superintendent, as the service drives may be unpaved and inaccessible to hearses.
Who could be affected
- Residents interested in green burial options
- Families planning for interments in township cemeteries
- Funeral directors
What could change
- "Green burials," which do not use embalming fluid, concrete vaults, or metal caskets, are now permitted in designated "natural burial sections."
- Burial containers for green burials must be biodegradable, such as untreated wood, wicker, or cardboard. Shroud burials are also permitted.
- Only flat, ground-level markers are allowed in natural burial sections to facilitate minimal maintenance, which may include allowing native plants and tree seedlings to grow.
- The scattering of cremated remains is now allowed in designated "scatter gardens," where cemetery staff will rake the cremains into the soil.
- The standard grave size for natural burials is set at five feet by ten feet, which is one foot wider than a conventional grave.
- Conventional burials continue to require a vault, and cremains that are not scattered must be placed in an airtight container.
What to watch
- When will the ordinance be published, and what is its exact effective date?
- When does the Township Board plan to consider the resolutions to designate the locations for natural burial sections and scatter gardens, and to set the associated fees?
Main source pages
These packet pages are the main source material for this item.
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Ordinance amendments and related memo for cemetery regulations
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Memo and ordinance amendment documents clearly supporting this agenda item
Supporting records
These related records help explain the item, including the agenda listing, staff explanation, and draft text.
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Consider amendments to Plainfield Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III, Cemeteries Motion by Jack Hagedorn and seconded by Frank Pfaff to adopt the proposed changes to the cemetery ordinance as presented Roll Call: Ayes: Reminga, Batey, Coleman, Hagedorn, Morrow, McKellar, Pfaff Nays: 0 Motion Approved
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Provide first reading and authorize publication for amendments to the Plainfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III of the Cemetery Ordinance
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AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “CEMETERIES” OF THE PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES At a regular meeting of the Plainfield Charter Township Board, Kent County, Michigan, held in the Township Hall on the ___ day of ____________, 2026, at _____ p.m., the following
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Ordinance was offered for adoption by Township Board Member __________________________, and was seconded by Township Board Member __________________________: THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF PLAINFIELD ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of Chapter 32, Article III. That Chapter 32, Article III of the Code of Ordinances of Plainfield Charter Township, Michigan, is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: Sec. 32-51. Title…
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AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 32, ARTICLE III, ENTITLED “CEMETERIES” OF THE PLAINFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES At a regular meeting of the Plainfield Charter Township Board, Kent County, Michigan, held in the Township Hall on the ___ day of ____________, 2026, at _____ p.m., the following
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Ordinance was offered for adoption by Township Board Member __________________________, and was seconded by Township Board Member __________________________: THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF PLAINFIELD ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of Chapter 32, Article III. That Chapter 32, Article III of the Code of Ordinances of Plainfield Charter Township, Michigan, is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: Sec. 32-51. Title…
Meeting history
Agenda and minutes records showing when this item appeared and what procedural step it reached over time.
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Provide first reading and authorize publication for amendments to the Plainfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III of the Cemetery Ordinance Provide first reading and authorize publication for amendments to the Plainfield Charter Township Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III of the Cemetery Ordinance
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The item appeared on the Board of Trustees Meeting agenda: Consider amendments to Plainfield Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III, Cemeteries Consider amendments to Plainfield Code of Ordinances Chapter 32, Article III, Cemeteries
Accuracy note
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