Memorializing of graves is accomplished through temporary floral tributes, decorations and with markers and monuments. Memorializing is subject to the following conditions:
(A) Approval. The lot owners(s) or successor(s) in burial rights shall have the right to erect a proper memorial subject to the space available on the lot and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the cemetery. Plans for all memorials must be submitted in writing to the city.
(B) Foundations. The foundations of all monuments, headstones or grave markers must be of concrete and placed to a depth of 36 inches. The total area of all foundations are to be six inches greater than the base of any monuments, headstones, grave markers or permanently attached vases, etc upon which it rests.
(C) Monument, material and size. All monuments, headstones, and grave markers shall be of granite, stone or metal of an indestructible nature. Ceramic photo tiles may be attached when adhered in a recessed panel. Steel alloy flower vases may be attached to a granite base if properly anchored to discourage theft. Monuments, headstone or grave markers placed or erected shall not exceed four feet in height above ground level. Block M monuments, headstones or grave markers are not to exceed ground level.
(D) Workmen. Workers employed in placing or erecting memorials or bringing materials shall operate as independent contractors, but must do so by permission and with supervision and approval of the Cemetery Superintendent. An outside contractor must present a certificate of insurance to the city Public Works Department office prior to the commencement of work. No work shall be done anywhere in the vicinity of a burial committal service in progress.
(E) Erection. Material or equipment used in the construction of vaults or monuments shall not be brought into the cemetery until the use or placing thereof is imminent. Construction material shall not be placed on adjoining lots without special permission of the city. Work must proceed promptly until the erection of the memorial is completed.
(F) Inscription and insignia. The name or inscription on each monument, vault, marker, or urn must identify the person interred. No advertising or similar logos may be used on any memorial. Any memorial, inscription or device, which may be deemed improper, offensive or objectionable by the Board of Works and Safety, shall be removed. All corrections and/or deletions will be the sole financial responsibility of the lot owner.
(G) Damage. The city is not responsible for damage to monuments and headstones or other decorations, permitted or not permitted, as a result of strikes, vandalism, theft, storm or other "acts of God", riots, insurrection, common enemy, pesticide use, or unavoidable accidents due to normal cemetery maintenance and interment activities, or due to other sources. Monuments, headstones and other decorations remain the property of the owner and his or her family and are placed on lots at the risk of the owner. Damage to lots, walks, roads, trees, shrubs, granite urns, granite benches, or other property caused by dealers, contractors, or their agents shall be repaired at the expense of such dealer, contractor, or their respective agents.
(H) Removal. Monuments or markers cannot be removed from the cemetery except by written order of the lot owner(s) or successor(s) and the city. Should any monument or memorial be determined to be offensive, improper, dangerous, injurious, or not meeting prescribed standards of the cemetery, the Superintendent has the right to remove such monument or memorial, and make reasonable efforts to notify owner(s) or successor(s) of said removal.
(I) Cleaning. Any person or firm engaged to clean a memorial must have written permission from the Cemetery Superintendent and submit certificate of insurance prior to commencement of work.
(J) Vandalism. Any person doing damage to or otherwise vandalizing any monument, headstone, gravesite or decoration shall be assessed a fine in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per occurrence and shall be responsible for the cost for repairing the damage
(‘89 Code, § 114.19) (Am. Ord. passed 7-13-98; Am. Ord. 9-2006, passed 3-27-06)