Virginia § 15.2-978 - Registration by locality of cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial on private property
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-978 — Registration by locality of cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial on private property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-978. Registration by locality of cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial on private property
Any locality may adopt an ordinance setting forth a register of identified cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial located on private property not belonging to any memorial or monumental association. The official local register may include an official map. Sites on the registry shall not be disclosed to the public in any format if they fall under the exception provided in subdivision 10 of § 2.2-3705.7 for significant historic and archaeological sites that would be jeopardized by public disclosure of their location. The register and official map may be available on the locality's website, if one exists. The locality may provide a phone number and email address on the locality's website, if one exists, that members of the public can use to contact the locality regarding identified or unidentified cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial located on private property not belonging to any memorial or monumental association.
The governing body shall publish a notice in a newspaper having general circulation in the locality at least two weeks prior to the public sale of any publicly owned property that contains a known cemetery, graveyard, or other place of burial, or as soon thereafter as possible, and shall also publish the notice on the locality's website, if one exists. The notice shall specify that a cemetery is present on the property. If the property falls under the exception provided in subdivision 10 of § 2.2-3705.7 for significant historic and archeological sites that would be jeopardized by public disclosure of their location, then no such notice is required.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-978
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-978 cover?
Section 15.2-978 ("Registration by locality of cemeteries, graveyards, or other places of burial on private property") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. 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 Virginia § 15.2-978?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-978" (Virginia). 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 Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-978 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia 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 Virginia.