Plot Lease Applications

There are four application forms at the bottom of this webpage. Please use the appropriate application for your eligibility:

• Chilmark resident
• Chilmark service member
• Chilmark property owner - owned by a person(s)
• Chilmark property owner  - owned by a trust, LLC or other entity

The applicable eligibility information and policies regarding plot leases are included here for your reference:

1. Eligibility to lease a cemetery plot
   1. A current Chilmark resident or owner of a buildable lot, under the Chilmark Zoning Bylaws, may lease a cemetery plot.  Eligibility criteria must have existed for 5 consecutive years prior to applying.
   2. Chilmark active-duty members or Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or those who have been granted special Veteran’s status by Congress may lease a plot.
2. Plot lease policies
   1. Cemetery plots are leased by consecutive number.
   2. Only 1 (one) plot may be leased by each eligible applicant.
   3. The plot leasee(s) acquires the right of burial only and is subject to these rules and regulations.
   4. It is the duty of the plot leasee(s) to notify the Town of any change of address.
   5. Burial sites in the ”King Plot” are reserved for special situations.
   6. No interments or inurnments may be made without a burial permit issued by the Health Agent or Town Clerk.
   7. Plot use:
      1. The current leasee(s) of record shall decide who may be buried in the plot.
      2. In the event that there is no living holder of a cemetery plot and no recognition of an heir, then any direct descendent of the original lease holder, with a signed affidavit, may be buried in the plot on a first come, first served basis.
   8. Transfers of Plot Lease Ownership:
      1. Transfers may be made according to the terms of an individual's will, a group's (Trust, LLC, etc) expressed legal documents or as provided under the Laws of the Commonwealth of MA.
      2. The Town must be notified if name of lease holder changes.
      3. Empty cemetery plots may be donated or sold back to the town.  The sale price or donated value will be equal to the amount originally paid for the lease.
      4. All other transfers of ownership are prohibited.