Minnesota § 307.14 - GREEN BURIALS IN PRIVATE CEMETERIES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 307.14 — GREEN BURIALS IN PRIVATE CEMETERIES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 307.14. GREEN BURIALS IN PRIVATE CEMETERIES
Subdivision 1.Definitions.
(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.
(b) "Drainage system" has the meaning given in section 103E.005, subdivision 12.
(c) "Green burial" has the meaning given in section 149A.02, subdivision 42.
(d) "Natural watercourse" has the meaning given in section 103G.005, subdivision 13.
(e) "Ordinary high-water level" has the meaning given in section 103G.005, subdivision 14.
(f) "Water supply well" has the meaning given in section 103I.005, subdivision 20a.
Subd. 2.Green burial requirements.
A person who owns a cemetery governed by this chapter that allows for green burials must comply with the requirements of this section.
Subd. 3.Green burial plot locations.
(a) Green burial plots must meet the following criteria:
(1) be set back 50 feet from property lines;
(2) maintain at least 3-1/2 feet clearance above the ordinary high-water level;
(3) not be in standing water;
(4) not be within zone 1 groundwater source protection zones around a spring, a water supply well, or a shaft drilled into the ground meant to extract water; and
(5) not be within flood-prone areas.
(b) Green burial plot locations must be a certain distance from water sources. Green burial plot locations must be:
(1) 50 feet from water supply wells and shafts drilled into the ground used to extract water;
(2) 100 feet from other springs or watercourses; and
(3) 33 feet from drainage systems.
Subd. 4.Exception.
A property with green burial plots in a designated location on or before July 1, 2025, does not need to comply with the requirement of subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (1).
Subd. 5.Burial depth.
(a) Green burial plots must be at a minimum depth of 3-1/2 feet from the base of the grave to the soil horizon.
(b) Green burials must have 3-1/2 feet of cover.
Subd. 6.Burial density.
Green burial plots must be a maximum of 300 burials per acre over a 100-year period.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 307.14
What does Minnesota Statutes § 307.14 cover?
Section 307.14 ("GREEN BURIALS IN PRIVATE CEMETERIES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 307.14?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 307.14" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 307.14 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.