Chapter 12.45
CEMETERY DESIGN STANDARDS
Sections:
12.45.040 Grave plot requirements.
12.45.050 Grave plots – Curbing.
12.45.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish uniformity and standards to guide the type, size, and appearance of structures in Roslyn cemeteries with the overall goal of retaining the historic style and design. The city of Roslyn is a National Historic District and the preservation of the historic character of the community is of paramount importance. As such, standardization of the structural designs of fences and landscaping will be accomplished by implementation of these specifications. [Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015.]
12.45.020 Fencing.
A. Construction or Removal Approval. The construction or removal of any fence in the cemeteries requires review and approval by the cemetery commission. Anyone wishing to install or repair fencing in the cemeteries shall complete a structural changes application and must supply an estimate of the cost of material and labor as well as funding sources to ensure the satisfactory completion of the project.
B. Retaining Historical Style and Design. Original fences should be retained and repaired whenever possible. When reconstruction must occur, the original fence should be matched in color, materials, size, scale, texture, and composition. New fences should emulate historic styles and designs still found in the cemeteries. All fencing material must allow for adequate viewing of the cemeteries.
C. Colors. All fencing colors must be approved by the cemetery commission.
D. Cemetery Complex Perimeter Fencing. The following requirements shall be met for cemetery complex perimeter fencing:
1. Approved fencing material;
2. Height shall not exceed six feet;
3. Spacing between posts shall not exceed eight feet (measured horizontally from center of post);
4. Chain-link fencing shall have torsion wire, have top rails for support and be coated with one of the following colors:
a. Grey;
b. Black; or
c. White.
5. Eight-inch-wide fence curbing is required below chain-link.
E. Individual Cemetery Fencing. If an individual cemetery is fenced, it shall be fenced with wood or picket-style fencing or double-looped crimped wire (also called woven wire). All fencing surrounding individual cemeteries must contain at least one entrance gate for vehicles and one entrance gate for pedestrians.
If the cemetery being fenced shares a border with another cemetery, then a pedestrian gate must be installed for reasonable foot traffic between the cemeteries.
F. Wood or Picket-Style Fencing Requirements. The following requirements must be met for wood or picket-style fencing:
1. Material must be tight knot cedar.
2. The height of the fence shall be between three and four feet.
3. Pickets shall be a minimum of three-quarter inch thick by three inches to four inches wide.
4. The spacing between pickets shall be between one and one-half inches to two inches.
5. Pickets shall either be spear point or regular cut.
6. Only stainless steel or galvanized nails may be used in the construction of the fence to prevent tannic acid bleeds onto the wood.
7. Fence posts shall be a minimum of six inches by six inches and spaced not more than eight feet apart.
8. Cross bars shall be two-inch by six-inch cedar boards.
9. Post holes shall be a minimum of 30 inches deep. The bottom will be laid with six inches to eight inches of pea gravel and topped with 24 inches of cement. The post shall sit on top of the pea gravel.
G. Double-Looped Crimped Wire (Woven Wire) Fencing Requirements. The following requirements must be met for double-looped crimped wire fencing:
1. The height of the fence shall be between 30 inches and four feet.
2. Fence posts shall be six-inch by six-inch cedar material.
3. Posts are to be no more than eight feet apart.
4. Cross bars must be two inches by six inches minimum.
5. Wire is to be attached to the cross bars with a heavy duty staple.
6. Post holes shall be a minimum of 30 inches deep. The bottom will be laid with six inches to eight inches of pea gravel and topped with 24 inches of cement. The post shall sit on top of the pea gravel.
H. Grave Plot Fencing. Grave fencing is allowed only in the Polish and Old City Cemeteries. All new or repaired grave fences must be compatible with existing fences.
I. All fencing shall comply with the most recent council adopted publication of “Design Standards for the Roslyn Cemetery.” [Ord. 1157 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1155, 2019; Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015.]
12.45.030 Signs.
A. Generally. The construction or removal of any sign in the cemeteries requires review and approval by the cemetery commission. Anyone wishing to install or repair any signs in the cemeteries shall complete a structural changes application and must supply an estimate of the cost of material and labor as well as funding sources to help ensure the satisfactory completion of the project.
B. Cemetery Name Signs.
1. The material may be treated wood or wood coated in a preservative. Cedar is the preferred choice of wood for signs.
2. Signs shall be a natural wood color. Lettering shall be routed into the wood and painted black or white.
3. Four-inch-tall individual boards shall be used consistent with existing historical signs. Where more than one board is used to define a cemetery, then reinforced back strapping (one strap on each side of pole) shall be used to prevent turning or spinning. The strapping shall be no more than one inch in width each.
4. Maximum size of cemetery name signs shall be 96 inches in height and 24 inches in width. Height shall be measured from the top of the uppermost board to the bottom of the lowest board.
5. The ultimate placement of any cemetery name sign shall be determined by the cemetery commission to ensure the most visibility to visitors is obtained without obstructing the view of the cemetery itself.
C. Directional and Informational Signs.
1. The material shall be metal. The color scheme shall be a brown background with white lettering.
2. Directional signs shall meet the standards for road signs. Information signs shall be no larger than two and one-half feet by four feet and rectangular in shape.
D. Monument Signs. All monument designs and colors must be approved by the cemetery commission (this does not include grave monuments for individual plots). The material shall be marble, stamped concrete, or granite. The lettering shall be engraved. Signs are encouraged to be as small as possible but still easily read from a distance of six feet. [Ord. 1155, 2019; Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015.]
12.45.040 Grave plot requirements.
A. For adult plots, the size shall be three and one-half feet wide by seven and one-half feet in length. For child or infant plots, the size shall be three and one-half feet wide by five feet in length.
B. All graves/plots may be covered with any of the following items; however, for permanent coverings such as cement or tiles owners are encouraged to wait until a burial is completed to prevent damage from removal for burials: cement, tiles, rock, green or brown outdoor carpeting or astroturf (other colors may be used if preapproved by the cemetery commission). The city of Roslyn reserves the right to remove any grave plot coverings that deteriorate or are not being cared for without notice.
C. These provisions are intended to comply with the standards for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic properties. The city of Roslyn reserves the right to remove any grave plot coverings that deteriorate without notice. [Ord. 1155, 2019; Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015.]
12.45.050 Grave plots – Curbing.
A. Curbing is required in the following cemeteries: Cacciatori d’Africa, Dr. Starcevich No. 1, Dr. Starcevich No. 2, Eagles, Foresters, I.O.O.F, Knights of Pythias (Old and New), Lithuanian, Mt. Olivet Black Pioneers, Old City, Polish, Redmen, Serbian, Silvio Pelico, Slovak, and St. Barbara.
B. For adult plots, the dimensions of the curbing shall be four feet in width by 10 feet in length. The colors of the curbing shall be natural cement tones, shades of gray, or white. [Ord. 1155, 2019; Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015.]