[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of West Greenwich as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 12-14-2016 by Ord. No. 98]
In compliance with Title 23, Chapter 18 of the Rhode Island General Laws, the Town of West Greenwich hereby adopts the following regulations and standards to govern the protection of the historic cemeteries within the Town of West Greenwich.
The Town Council of the Town of West Greenwich recognizes that historic cemeteries possess archaeological, social, cultural and religious significance that requires sensitive and consistent maintenance. It is therefore the policy of the Town to promote the continued preservation and maintenance of historic cemeteries by vesting the duty to protect, enhance, and otherwise ensure the perpetuity of these historic resources with the property owner.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HISTORIC CEMETERY
Any tract of land which has for more than 100 years been used as a burial place for human remains, whether or not marked with an historic marker or gravestone, containing one or more burial sites. The term "historic cemetery" also refers to an area 25 feet around the perimeter of the cemetery.
A. 
An historic cemetery property owner should maintain the historic cemetery and its associated features against decay, deterioration and structural defects. The property owner should exercise reasonable care to meet the applicable requirements established under this article and Title 23, Chapter 18 of the Rhode Island General Laws so as to prevent the loss of historic material and the deterioration of important character-defining details and features.
B. 
Nothing in this article should be construed so as to prevent the ordinary repairs and maintenance of any building, structure, or site, provided that such repairs or maintenance does not result in a conspicuous change in the design, form, proportion, mass, configuration, building material, texture, color, location, or visual appearance of any structure, or part thereof.