05/21/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/21/2025 11:32
COLUMBUS, Ohio - In the coming days, Ohioans across the state will observe Memorial Day by visiting the gravesites of fallen heroes and honoring their sacrifice. As those visits take place, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing encourages individuals to do their part to help keep the state's cemeteries beautiful and safe by reporting maintenance issues and concerns.
The Division oversees the registration of more than 4,100 cemeteries across the state and works to ensure appropriate maintenance is taking place. Family cemeteries and cemeteries that haven't had burials in over 25 years are exempt from this registration requirement.
Division Superintendent Daphne Hawk says given the many Ohioans who will visit cemeteries during the upcoming holiday, and the vast size of many cemeteries across the state, visitors play an important role in helping to ensure these sites remain properly maintained and are safe for guests on Memorial Day and throughout the year.
"This solemn occasion offers an opportunity to spot potential safety issues at our state's many cemeteries and bring them to light so they can be addressed," Hawk said. "We would always encourage individuals to first report these concerns to cemetery management for resolution. However, if an issue persists and is not addressed, individuals may choose to file a complaint with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to seek a fair outcome."
The Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission is a nine-person commission that assists in resolving complaints against registered cemeteries, or a cemetery that is not registered but is required to be registered. Individuals who would like to submit a complaint with the Commission can do so by accessing this online complaint form. The Commission also publishes suggested minimum maintenance guidelines for cemeteries to follow.
In addition to working with cemeteries to resolve potential issues, the Division provides vital funding to equip cemeteries with the financial resources they need to initiate repair projects, maintenance work or other upkeep. Each year, the Division awards over $100,000 annually to eligible nonprofit cemeteries who submit applications for assistance through its Cemetery Grant Program. The program is designed to help cover costs related to maintenance or the training of cemetery personnel in the maintenance and operation of cemeteries.
To help inform consumers about various topics related to cemeteries, the Division developed a special consumer guide that addresses various cemetery-related questions and provides tips to help keep Ohioans informed and safe.
About the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing
The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at https://www.com.ohio.gov