The following rules and restrictions are applicable to headstones, monuments, and markers (collectively referred to as "headstones") installed in the city cemetery but may be waived or modified by the mayor or the mayor's designee if that person determines that the enforcement of the rules or restrictions, under the circumstances, would be inappropriate or unnecessary to protect safety or health, or such waiver or modification would be in the best interest of the city or the convenience of the public:
A. Specifications: All upright headstones shall be installed at the west end of the grave with the following specifications:
1. Height: An installed headstone may not be more than three feet (3') tall, when measured from ground level to the top of the headstone.
2. Width: When installed, a single headstone on a single grave may not be more than thirty nine inches (39") wide, measured north to south, including a four inch (4") flush with the ground base all the way around the headstone.
3. Double Headstones: When installed, a double headstone on two (2) graves may not be more than seventy eight inches (78") wide, measured north to south, including a four inch (4") flush with the ground base all the way around the headstone.
4. Length: When installed, a headstone, measured east to west, may not be more than twenty six inches (26") in length including a four inch (4") flush with the ground base all the way around the headstone.
5. Pinned To Base: All upright markers shall be pinned to the base.
B. Waiver; Owner Responsibility: The restriction on the length of a ground level (flat) headstone stated in subsection A4 of this section shall not apply if the owner of a burial lot signs and delivers to the main cemetery office a written waiver that states that the owner is knowingly installing a headstone that exceeds the normal twenty six inch (26") limitation. In the waiver the owner shall accept all responsibility for damage to the headstone or any ground level flower vase or receptacle placed in the maintenance path due to: 1) its placement in the normal traffic path, 2) the city's maintenance of the city cemetery, or 3) the occurrence of other funerals and the installation of other headstones in the area. The city shall not be responsible for any costs to have the headstone repaired or replaced.
C. Ownership, Liability Risks, And Maintenance Of Headstones: A headstone is the private property of the owner of the burial right. The installation of a headstone is done at the owner's own risk. The owner assumes all liability and costs for the maintenance and repair of the headstone including the raising of a sunken headstone, the repair of cracks, chips, or scratches, and the repair or replacement of a headstone due to the age of the headstone or cement. The city is not responsible for damage to headstones resulting from natural events such as tree damage, or for damage to a headstone or injury to any person in connection with the raising of a headstone or a visit to the cemetery.
D. Prohibitions: No person may erect or maintain any fence, wall, corner post, coping, hedge, or boundary of any kind upon any lot or gravesite in the city cemetery, nor grade the cemetery ground or land. The city sexton/maintenance supervisor shall, whenever requested, furnish the true line of a lot according to the official survey, and shall prevent and prohibit any marking of a lot, except by official landmarks, and shall prevent and prohibit any grading that might destroy or interfere with the general slope of the cemetery land. (Ord. 51-13, 2013)