§ 22-1. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned cemetery means a cemetery which shows signs of neglect including, without limitation, the unchecked growth of vegetation, repeated and unchecked acts of vandalism, or the disintegration of grave markers or boundaries and for which no person can be found who is legally responsible and financially capable of the upkeep of such cemetery.

Archaeologist means any person who is:

(1)

A member of or meets the criteria for membership in the Society of Professional Archaeologists and can demonstrate experience in the excavation and interpretation of human graves; or

(2)

Employed on July 1, 1991, by the state or by any county or municipal governing authority as an archaeologist.

Burial ground means an area dedicated to and used for interment of human remains including, without limitation, privately owned burial plots, individually and collectively, once human remains have been buried therein. The fact that the area was used for burial purposes shall be evidence that it was set aside for burial purposes.

Burial object means any item reasonably believed to have been intentionally placed with the human remains at the time of burial or interment or any memorial, tombstone, grave marker, or shrine which may have been added subsequent to interment. The term "burial object" also includes any inscribed or uninscribed marker, coping, curbing, enclosure, fencing, pavement, shelter, wall, stoneware, pottery, or other grave object erected or deposited incident to or subsequent to interment.

Cemetery and cemeteries mean any land or structure in this state dedicated to and used, or intended to be used, for interment or human remains. It includes sites for earth interments or a mausoleum for vault or crypt interments or a combination of one or more thereof.

Descendant means a person or group of persons related to a deceased human by blood or adoption in accordance with O.C.G.A. title 19, as may be amended from time to time.

Genealogist means a person who traces or studies the descent of persons or families and prepares a probative record of such descent.

Human remains means the bodies of deceased human beings in any stage of decomposition, including cremated remains.

PCCPC means the Paulding County Cemetery Preservation Commission.

Preserve and project means to identify and keep safe from destruction, peril or other adversity and may include the placement of signs, markers, fencing or other such appropriate features so as to identify the site as a cemetery or burial ground and so as to aid in the preservation and protection of such cemetery or burial ground.

(Res. No. 98-019, § 2.1)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-4.