Chapter 2.48
CITY CEMETERY
Sections:
2.48.030 Ownership – Evidence.
2.48.060 Supervision of funerals.
2.48.080 Floral, other decorations and landscaping.
2.48.100 Protection against loss.
2.48.140 Correction of errors.
2.48.150 Rates – Advance payments.
2.48.010 Chapter to apply.
All plots, niches and services at the Grandview City Cemetery shall be subject to this chapter. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.020 Definitions.
The following terms and conditions shall apply when used in this chapter:
A. “Owner” shall mean the owner of the burial plot or niche as shown by the records of the city.
B. “City” shall mean the city of Grandview, Washington.
C. “Cemetery” shall mean the Grandview City Cemetery. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.030 Ownership – Evidence.
A. Evidence of Ownership. A statutory warranty deed or certificate of ownership will be issued for all burial plots and niches upon full payment therefor.
B. Plot owners may agree with others as to parts of plots to be used by each or who is to be interred in such plots, but the city shall not be a party to such agreements nor enforce the same.
C. Transfers or Assignments. No transfer or assignment of any lot or niche or interest herein shall be valid without the consent of the city first being had and endorsed upon such transfer. Evidence of transfer must be presented to the public works department immediately, and the same shall be recorded in its books. Permission for the use of graves or niches will be granted only to the owners who appear as such on the records of the city. In all cases, the city may demand, before granting permission for use, an affidavit and an indemnification agreement from the person applying therefor that he or she is the then owner of the plot or niche and has not transferred or assigned the same or any part thereof. Such affidavit accompanied by the evidence of transfer of the above mentioned shall relieve the city of any and all liability as to said plot or niche.
D. Ownership and Interment Rights. Owners of interment spaces or niches must produce their deeds, certificate of ownership or other proof of ownership when requested by the city before an interment is made.
1. It shall be the duty of owners of interment spaces or niches to notify the city of any changes of address. Notice sent to an owner at the last address on file in the office of the city shall be considered sufficient and proper legal notification.
2. In the case of the death of an owner of an interment space or niche, it shall be the duty of the heirs or devisees to file with the city proof of their ownership. This is a very important matter as the city cannot permit any interment to be made until such proof is given. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.040 Interments.
A. The city reserves the right to require the written permission of the owner before interment in any cemetery plot or niche.
B. Whenever an interment is to be made, twenty-four hours’ notice is required, and if the interment is to be made in a family plot, then notice must be given and the grave to be used must be designated.
C. The city shall have no responsibility for any order given by telephone, or for any mistake occurring for the lack of precise and proper instruction as to the particular space and location in a plot where interment is desired.
D. All earth interments shall be made in sectional concrete boxes or concrete vaults or metal vaults. All urn inurnments shall be made in concrete liners or metal vaults.
1. Independent vault/liner dealers may perform vault or liner installation service in accordance with all city specifications (a copy is maintained at the cemetery office and is available on request) and the following provisions:
a. The city requires a written certification from the manufacturer stating the specifications of any vault or liner.
b. The city requires evidence that the installer’s employees are covered by workman’s compensation insurance and that the installer carries adequate public liability insurance in which the cemetery is a named insured, and a bond to insure compliance with the rules and regulations of the city.
c. Any equipment used on the cemetery grounds in connection with the installation of a vault or liner will be pre-approved by the city.
d. Grounds shall be left in the same condition as before the installer arrived. Any damage is the responsibility of the independent vault or liner dealer. If any damage is not corrected, the city may make such corrections at the installer’s expense.
E. No interment shall be made of two or more bodies in one grave except that of a mother and her child, or two cremated remains or one cremated remains and one regular burial may be placed in a regular grave with the cremated remains at the foot of the adult burial space.
F. Order of Interment. Only the current owner of the space may designate who may be buried at the foot of the grave; provided, in the event the owner of the plot is deceased, then the designation may be made by the owner’s spouse or state registered domestic partner, if any. Any unoccupied spaces may then be used by the remaining parents or children of the deceased owner, if any, then to the spouse or state registered domestic partner of any child of the owner, then to the heirs at law of the owner, in the order of death. The city shall be held harmless for any decisions made by the family as to who may be buried in the space.
G. Two cremated remains may be placed in a niche provided there is room therein without placing one urn upon another or overcrowding to the point of appearing unsightly or inappropriate.
H. Saturday morning services until 11:00 chapel or 11:30 graveside are acceptable with an overtime charge. No Saturday afternoon service will be permitted. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.050 Removals.
No deceased’s remains may be removed from a plot or niche without legal authority. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.060 Supervision of funerals.
Direction of funerals within the cemetery shall be subject to the control of the city. Additional charges may be imposed for any funeral that precludes the filling of the grave or the sealing of the niche before 5:00 p.m. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.070 Headstones.
A. All headstones shall be set by the city public works department and in accordance with this chapter. Headstones may vary in size; therefore, the maximum allowable headstone sizes are as follows:
1. Single headstones for adult spaces: 12 inches by 24 inches.
2. Double headstones for adult spaces: 12 inches by 36 inches.
3. Single or double headstones in Block 7 (cremation area): eight inches by 16 inches.
4. Double headstones placed between two spaces in Block 7 (cremation area): eight inches by 32 inches.
5. Headstones for child spaces: eight inches by 16 inches.
B. The public works department may require additional information or drawings, as it deems necessary, to ensure that the headstones are set in compliance with this policy.
1. All headstones will be inspected by the public works department prior to being scheduled for setting.
2. All headstones will be set in such a manner so as not to interfere with the maintenance of the grounds.
3. All headstones will be set in concrete with a minimum of six inches along all borders.
4. Upright headstones are allowed in all blocks of the cemetery.
5. All adult and child headstones are to be set in alignment with each row.
6. All headstone setting fees must be paid prior to the setting of a headstone.
7. All upright headstones must have a minimum of two one-half-inch rebar pins that attach the top monument to the base. The headstone/monument company must provide the structural pins and is also responsible for having the holes pre-drilled. All one-half-inch rebar pins will be one-half inch shorter than the space provided.
Due to the various thicknesses of monument bases, the pre-drilled holes shall be as follows:
a. On a base that is six inches thick or thicker, the one-half-inch pre-drilled holes shall be four inches in depth on the base and four inches in depth up into the top monument.
b. On a base that is four inches thick, the one-half-inch pre-drilled holes shall be two inches in depth on the base and four inches in depth up into the top monument.
8. The installation of markers and of foundations for such markers is made by the city with a proper charge for the material and labor involved. (Ord. 2023-20 § 1; Ord. 2023-10 § 1; Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.080 Floral, other decorations and landscaping.
Clear and precise signage shall be posted at the main entrance of the cemetery in English and Spanish showing the city’s ordinance.
A. Floral and Other Decorations.
1. Potted plants will be permitted in the cemetery from November 1st until March 1st, subject to removal after a reasonable time. From March 1st until November 1st, they will be subject to immediate removal.
2. All funeral designs, or flowers of any kind, placed on a grave or niche will be removed as soon as they become unsightly or deteriorated. It shall be the right and duty of the public works director or his designee to remove the items.
3. Artificial flowers are permitted on graves from November 1st until March 1st, subject to removal after a reasonable time, or when they become faded, soiled, unsightly, or deteriorated. It shall be the right and duty of the public works director or his designee to remove the items.
4. All flags, special holiday decorations and decorations of similar nature are allowed to be placed upon graves from November 1st until March 1st, subject to approval of the city. They will be subject to removal after a reasonable time. From March 1st until November 1st, they will be subject to immediate removal. Nothing may be attached or otherwise affixed to a niche front other than vase holders installed permanently by the city.
B. Landscaping.
1. The city has and will, at its own cost, landscape the entire cemetery with such shrubs and trees that are adaptable to the seasons; thus, making it unnecessary for owners to plant flowers on individual graves or plots.
2. No trees, shrubs or flowers shall be planted, removed, cut down or destroyed within the boundaries of any plot or section, walk or lawn space without the express consent of the city.
3. If any trees or shrubs or flowers shall become detrimental to any adjacent property, or shall become unsightly or inconvenient, the city shall have the right to remove such trees, shrubs or flowers or such parts thereof at the discretion of the public works department.
4. No plants or flowers shall be picked or taken by any person. (Ord. 2021-24 § 1; Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.090 Urns in niches.
Only urns and the remains therein may be placed in a cemetery niche. The city may refuse placement of urns in niches that, in the city’s judgment, are not proper or fitting, or that are not in keeping with the overall appearance of the niche wall. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.100 Protection against loss.
The city shall have no responsibility for damage to graves, headstones, or markers resulting from the elements, acts of God, common enemy, thieves, vandals, unavoidable accidents, explosions, invasions, insurrections, riots or order of any military or civil authority, whether the damage be direct or collateral. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.110 Prohibited acts.
In addition to any prohibited acts set forth herein in prior sections, no person shall disturb the peace or be disorderly or any other criminal activity. No activities involving preparation or provision of food or beverage, including, but not limited to, barbecues, meals, buffets or similar activities, shall be permitted. (Ord. 2021-24 § 2; Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.120 Construction work.
A. No construction work of any nature whatsoever will be permitted by individuals or companies without the written consent and supervision of the city.
B. The city reserves the right to alter avenues and walks, establish the grades of avenues, walks and roads and to make any other changes in the city’s discretion that it deems necessary or beneficial to the cemetery. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.130 Endowment care.
A. The general and endowed care of the entire cemetery and niche wall is assumed by the city. Ten percent of all cemetery lot sales shall be deposited in the cemetery endowment fund. Such funds shall be controlled and managed in accordance with RCW 68.52.050 through 68.52.080, now enacted or hereafter amended; provided, however, that the city treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt, investment and care of the income from and all money and property held in trust for the purpose designated.
B. The term “endowment care” shall mean the cutting of the grass of the sections or lots at reasonable intervals, the raking or cleaning of the section or lot, the pruning of the trees or shrubs planted by the city and such work as may be necessary to keep the section or lot in good and neat condition; to clean, repair or decorate the niche wall.
C. The city does not bind itself to maintain, repair or replace any marker, flower, vase, or similar objects.
D. The amount of endowed care and special care given during any war emergency or strike or act of God shall be subject to the limitation of labor and equipment. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.140 Correction of errors.
The city reserves the right to correct any errors that may be made by it, either in making interments, disinterments, or removals, or in the description, transfer or sale of any interment space, either by canceling such sale and substituting in lieu thereof other space and similar locations as fair as possible, or as may be selected by the city, by refunding the amount of money paid on account of said purchases or services. In the event such error shall involve the interment of the remains of any person in such burial premises, the city reserves and shall have the right to remove or transfer such remains so interred to such other burial premises of equal value and similar location. (Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.150 Rates – Advance payments.
A. Rates to be charged at the Grandview City Cemetery shall be as follows:
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Cemetery space – Adult |
$1,100.00 |
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Cemetery space – Infant |
$500.50 |
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Cremation space or second burial |
$500.50 |
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Cremation niche space |
$600.00 |
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Open and closing/disinterment – Adult |
$800.00 |
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Open and closing/disinterment – Infant |
$445.00 |
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Open and closing/cremation in-ground burial |
$425.00 |
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Open and closing/cremation niche |
$375.00 |
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Liner – Adult |
$555.00 + tax |
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Liner – Infant |
$300.00 + tax |
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Liner – Cremation in-ground burial |
$70.00 + tax |
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Disinterment/reinterment – Adult |
$800.00 |
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Disinterment/reinterment – Infant |
$445.00 |
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Disinterment/reinterment – Cremation |
$250.00 |
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Weekend/holiday service charge |
$530.00 |
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Short notice surcharge (< 24 hours) |
$175.00 |
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Headstone settings |
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Flat stone |
12 x 24 |
$275.00 |
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12 x 36 |
$375.00 |
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12 x 48 |
$450.00 |
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Upright stone |
12 x 24 |
$425.00 |
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12 x 36 |
$500.00 |
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12 x 48 |
$650.00 |
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Oversize stones (height/weight) |
$1,000.00 |
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Addition of vase to existing stone |
$50.00 |
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Cremation niche engraving fee |
$150.00 |
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Bench/slab installation |
$600.00 |
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B. Advanced Payments Allowed. The city treasurer and the public works department are authorized to receive from the owners of lots in the Grandview City Cemetery, in advance of need, the opening and closing and liner costs, according to the current charges, which will be accepted by the city subject to current rates or fees at the time of need. Such additional payment shall be made at that time prior to interment.
Funds received pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in a separate fund in the city known as the “advance payments fund of the cemetery,” and shall be credited by lot and space in a book maintained by the city treasurer.
C. Repurchase of Vacant Lots and Burial Spaces. The city is authorized to negotiate for the repurchase of vacant lots and burial spaces in the Grandview City Cemetery at the cost to the original purchaser, and to pay for said lots as the sums are available in the city budget. (Ord. 2023-12 § 1; Ord. 2021-24 § 3; Ord. 2011-10 § 1; Ord. 2007-20 § 2).
2.48.160 Miscellaneous.
A. No vehicle shall be driven within the park at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour. Cars should be driven on the right side of all driveways and exceptional care should be exercised to avoid accidents.
B. Soliciting work of any description or placing of business cards or signs on any section or lots will not be permitted and persons doing such acts will be excluded from the grounds.
C. No money for any work done should be paid to any workman on the grounds. All payments shall be paid at the office of the public works department.
D. Employees are forbidden to accept gratuities from anyone.
E. No firearms will be permitted within the grounds except at military funerals and commissioned police officers.
F. The city reserves the right to refuse admission to bicycles or motorcycles except such as may be in attendance at funerals or on business.
G. Memorial celebrations, e.g., personal holiday, deceased’s birthday, annual anniversary, shall be coordinated with the city within 48 hours in order to prevent interference with a scheduled interment at the cemetery. (Ord. 2021-24 § 4; Ord. 2015-11 § 1; Ord. 2007-20 § 2).