(A) Memorials are defined as any headstone, monument, marker or other object memorializing the deceased.
(B) Headstones are the most common form of memorial for a grave site to mark a single grave. The headstone is typically a piece of rock (usually granite or marble) that sits erect on the ground, allowing individuals who walk past to easily identify the individual. Information carved into the headstone can range from a person’s name, to birth date and death date, to a quote or saying, to an engraving or inscription. A headstone is typically less ornate than true monuments, and often times are smaller. It is common to have one headstone per family (mother and father).
(C) Monuments are grander memorials, defined as larger upright headstones or family burial lot markers, to identify two or more graves. They can come in various shapes and sizes depicting saints, angels, animals, people, etc. Depending on their size, they may require extensive or engineered foundations for proper support. Such monuments will require the family or responsible party to hire a reputable and qualified monument company to ensure proper installation.
(D) Markers are smaller memorials that often sit flat, and can only be read when standing straight above them. The same basic information carved into a headstone can be printed or carved into a cemetery marker.
(E) Cornerstones are only permitted on burial lots with four or more grave spaces, typically 10' x 20' or larger. They shall be granite or marble and must be installed flush with the ground.
(F) All third party and/or contractor work, including installation, maintenance, repair, cleaning, etc. of memorials, must be coordinated through the Cemetery Superintendent.
(G) All authorized memorials must have foundations that shall:
(1) Be preapproved by the Cemetery Superintendent through the submission of a “Permit to Install Cemetery Memorials.”
(2) Be installed by a reputable contractor or monument company hired/contracted by the burial plot owner or nearest of kin.
(3) Be at least one-inch wider and one-inch longer than the base stone resting upon it.
(4) Not project above the surface of the ground.
(5) Extend as low as the Cemetery Superintendent and/or Public Works Director may require for safety and permanence.
(‘70 Code, § 6-11)
(H) The following guidance regarding memorial plans, quantity and location must be followed to protect the interest of all lots owners and ensure the city’s cemeteries remain uniform and attractive:
(1) No memorial may be erected in the cemetery unless a City of Goldsboro “Permit to Install Cemetery Memorials” has been submitted by the burial plot owner or nearest of kin and approved by the Cemetery Superintendent. Memorial specifications, plans and location must be included as part of the permit request and approval process. Once the initial permit is received and approved, the requestor and/or their representative/contractor must coordinate with the Cemetery Superintendent to have the four corners and center of the footing location marked.
(2) Cemetery staff will not be responsible for excavating or pouring any footings or installing memorials. A reputable contractor or monument company must be hired by the burial plot owner or nearest of kin to pour footings and install the memorials. Once the contractor or monument company has excavated and formed up the footing location, they must acquire final approval from the Cemetery Superintendent prior to setting/pouring the concrete.
(3) Only one monument will be permitted on a family burial lot and shall not be more than ½ the width of the lot in height, and shall be of granite or marble. No monument shall cover more than 7% of the ground space of the lot or lots. All monuments, except upon agreement in writing signed by the Public Works Director, shall be placed in the center of lots. (‘70 Code, § 6-12)
(4) Only one memorial shall be allowed for each direct burial grave space and shall be placed at the head of the grave. Grave spaces used solely for cremation burials may have a total of three memorials, but only one can be an upright headstone. The others must be flat grave markers. The only exception would be for family burial lots where a monument has been installed in the center of the burial lot. In such cases, all respective direct burial and/or cremation memorials within the burial lot must be flat markers. Individual grave spaces used solely for cremation burials may still have up to three flat markers.
(5) All headstones and markers shall be granite or marble, at least five inches in length, not less than four inches nor more than eight inches in thickness, and not more than 18 inches in width and 24 inches to 30 inches in length. All markers shall be level and set to the contour of the land. Headstones and footstones standing on end are prohibited. All lettering on individual grave markers shall be of the incised type, and in no case will raised letters be permitted on these slabs.
(‘70 Code, § 6-13)
(6) Restrictions on ornaments. Grave markers with porcelain or other photographs are not permitted; however, laser etched inscriptions and photos are allowed. All inscriptions and photos must be respectful and conservative in nature. Any photos or inscriptions the Cemetery Superintendent determines to be outlandish, freakish or unusual in size or appearance will not be allowed.
(‘70 Code, § 6-14)
(Ord. 1977-45, passed 9-19-77; Am. Ord. 2015-4, passed 2-2-15; Am. Ord. 2021-6, passed 5-17-21) Penalty, see § 10.99