Chapter 2.44
MEMORIAL CEMETERY
Sections:
2.44.010 Establishment of Memorial Cemetery.
2.44.020 Maintenance and improvement.
2.44.030 Board of park and cemetery commissioners to be advisory.
2.44.045 Regulations for cemetery vases and/or containers – Grave decorations.
2.44.050 Sale of interment rights and burial permits.
2.44.052 Grave digger and marker installation permit.
2.44.056 Burial of cremains on graves.
2.44.060 Trust fund for perpetual care established.
2.44.070 Interment rights procedures for lots.
2.44.090 Charges for interment rights and services.
2.44.120 Multiple headstones prohibited.
2.44.123 Allowable marker sizes and guidelines.
2.44.125 Temporary markers required.
2.44.140 Cremain memorial garden (scatter garden).
2.44.005 Definitions.
“Biodegradable cremain urn” means a container measuring no greater than 12 inches in any dimension, designed to decompose fully within 12 months after burial in the ground. A biodegradable cremain urn must be made of only uncoated, nontoxic plant fibers or recycled cast paper. Wood and salt-based containers are not allowed.
“Burial permit” means a document that authorizes city staff to dig a grave and bury human remains in the Washougal Memorial Cemetery. Issuance of this permit by the city clerk cannot occur until the interment rights to a lot and the applicable service(s) are paid in full.
“Cremain memorial garden” or “scatter garden” means a specifically designated area in Section 4 of the Washougal Memorial Cemetery designated for burial of cremated remains in biodegradable cremain urns or loose ashes.
“Cremains” or “ashes” means the cremated remains of a human body.
“Disinterment” means exhumation of a casket from a grave.
“Disinurnment” means exhumation of a cremated remain from a grave or removal from a niche wall.
“Grave” or “lot” means a place of burial for a human body or cremated remains marked by a monument.
“Headstone,” “marker,” or “monument” means a memorial set at the head of a grave to identify the location of buried remains and the name, birth, and death of the deceased.
“Interment” means to bury a casket holding human remains.
“Interment right” means the right to bury human remains in a particular lot in the cemetery.
“Inurnment” means to bury an urn holding cremated human remains.
“Liner” means a secondary container for buried or cremated remains made of sturdy, lightweight materials, such as polypropylene or unlined concrete that provides structural support to protect the casket or urn from collapse.
“Niche inscription” means the etching of a name, birth and death dates on a niche wall panel.
“Niche wall” or “columbarium” means a double-sided and double-depth upright structure that holds cremated human remains behind granite panels or shutters. Niches can be sold in singles or doubles.
“Panel” or “shutter” means the granite exterior to a niche wall where names of deceased are etched.
“Scatter” means the method by which city staff disburse cremated remains in the scatter garden by digging an opening in the ground and burying a biodegradable cremain urn or directly pouring ashes into the opening.
“Urn” means the container that holds cremated human remains. These can be “inurned” directly into the niche wall or buried in a liner in the ground.
“Urn vault” means a double reinforced urn for cremated remains that does not require a liner for ground burial.
“Vault” means a secondary container for buried human remains. Heavyweight materials provide structural support to safeguard the casket from collapse. A sealed, watertight lid protects the casket from the effects of ground water. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018)
2.44.010 Establishment of Memorial Cemetery.
There is established the Washougal Memorial Cemetery, the site thereof to be the property purchased by the city adjoining the present IOOF Cemetery, and such other property or properties as may be hereafter acquired. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 119 § 1, 1945)
2.44.020 Maintenance and improvement.
The policy of the city council shall be to maintain the Memorial Cemetery as a public burial grounds with perpetual care and keep as permanent burial tract with grass, shrubs and trees, as shall be provided by the city council through the agency of the cemetery board. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 119 § 2, 1945)
2.44.030 Board of park and cemetery commissioners to be advisory.
The board of park and cemetery commissioners shall be advisory to the city council and city manager on matters related to the Memorial Cemetery, pursuant to the powers and duties prescribed in Chapter 2.20 WMC. (Ord. 1957 §§ 3, 4 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1936 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021; Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1243 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1169 § 1, 1995; Ord. 904 § 1, 1988; Ord. 119 § 3, 1945)
2.44.040 Duties of the cemetery board.
Repealed by Ord. 1957. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 914 § 1, 1988; Ord. 119 § 4, 1945)
2.44.045 Regulations for cemetery vases and/or containers – Grave decorations.
No glass containers are allowed. Only cut flowers are allowed on graves. Decorations other than cut flowers are prohibited and will be placed by the dumpster and disposed of after one week. Decorations other than cut flowers, including artificial flowers, will be allowed from November 1st through March 1st and one week before and after Memorial Day. No breakable decorations are allowed, e.g., terra cotta, ceramic, etc. Further, the city will not be held responsible for broken or stolen grave decorations and has the authority to remove any unauthorized decorations. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1320 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 922 § 1, 1988)
2.44.050 Sale of interment rights and burial permits.
(1) Family of the deceased, or, in the absence of family, friends, or a licensed funeral director in the absence of family, taking responsibility for the funeral arrangements, shall contact the city of Washougal in order to authorize the interment, make necessary arrangements and make payment therefor.
(2) Persons owning interment rights to lots in the cemetery will not be permitted to sell those rights, except to the city, for the original purchase price. The city treasurer will take one-half of the money from the cemetery operating fund and one-half of the money from the perpetual care fund to buy back such interment rights to lots.
(3) Burial permits will be issued by the city through the office of the city clerk, or other city officials as the council may direct.
(4) Funds received from the sale of interment rights to lots or burial permits will be paid to the city treasurer, who will keep a record thereof; such portion shall be deposited in the cemetery fund, with 10 percent being deposited into a capital fund for future cemetery needs.
(5) Except as provided herein, no person or persons shall be interred in any cemetery lot except a person or persons who appear in the records of Washougal Memorial Cemetery as the holder or holders of the interment right or the designee or designees of such holder or holders of the interment right; provided, that such designation must be in writing and recorded in the official records of Washougal Memorial Cemetery or a beneficial interest in the interment right is specifically granted in a will or trust pursuant to Washington law.
(6) All funerals will take place during the regular business hours of the cemetery, Monday through Friday, except by special permission and will be subject to overtime rates. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1802 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1304 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1311 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 119 § 5, 1945)
2.44.052 Grave digger and marker installation permit.
(1) The city shall maintain a revocable grave digging and marker installation permit with any funeral home that services the Washougal Memorial Cemetery.
(2) A funeral home shall contract for the services of a grave digger and marker installation whose service fee shall be set by the funeral home. The grave digger shall be an independent contractor, not a city employee. The city will provide standard operating procedures to the funeral home for this service, and the funeral home shall supervise and conduct all such operations consistent with the city’s procedures. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020)
2.44.056 Burial of cremains on graves.
(1) No more than three cremains shall be buried on top of a casket, and no more than four cremains shall be buried without a casket in any adult grave lot.
(2) Cremains to be buried prior to a casket burial shall be buried at the top of the grave where the headstone is to be located. In the case whereby the headstone has been set, the cremains shall not be buried until after the casket burial. The city will not be responsible for holding cremains. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1320 § 1 (Exh. C), 1998)
2.44.060 Trust fund for perpetual care established.
(1) There is established a cemetery perpetual care trust fund.
(2) The perpetual care fee from the sale of interment rights to lots shall be deposited in the cemetery perpetual care trust fund, until such time as the fund shall be of sufficient amount that the revenue received therefrom will provide ample funds for the perpetual care and keep of the cemetery.
(3) It shall be the duty of the council to provide sufficient funds from taxation or otherwise to provide for the care and maintenance of the cemetery, if there is not sufficient income received from the trust fund for that purpose.
(4) Public donations, and other funds received by the city for that purpose, shall be deposited in the cemetery cumulative fund.
(5) The trust fund shall be kept by the city treasurer, and shall be open for public inspection, and audited by such committee as the council shall, from time to time, direct.
(6) The trust fund shall be invested by the city treasurer only in the same type of bonds and investments as the city treasurer is authorized by law to invest or deposit general municipal funds.
(7) The principal of the fund shall be kept intact and not diminished. The interest therefrom shall be used for the expenses of operation, and any excess may be used for capital improvements and additions to the cemetery, or if not needed for such purposes shall be added to the principal amount.
(8) The expenditure of interest from the trust fund shall be made only on claims filed with the city clerk, and approved by the city council, and vouchers drawn by the city clerk and paid by the city treasurer. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1802 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 255 § 6, 1960; Ord. 119 § 6, 1945)
2.44.070 Interment rights procedures for lots.
Upon the payment of the proper fee for the purchase of any interment rights to a lot or lots in the Memorial Cemetery, the city clerk is authorized to execute and issue on behalf of the city interment rights to a lot or lots, and no other signature shall be required on such interment rights other than a proper acknowledgment and the corporate seal of the city. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 126 § 1, 1947)
2.44.075 Promissory note issuance to secure interment.
Repealed by Ord. 1717. (Ord. 875 § 1(1), 1987; Ord. 126 § 1, 1947)
2.44.077 Time payment purchase.
Repealed by Ord. 1717. (Ord. 888 § 1, 1987)
2.44.080 City cemetery fund.
There is established and created a fund designated “city cemetery fund.” All moneys to be used in the care and maintenance of the Memorial Cemetery, other than the perpetual trust fund, shall be placed in the “city cemetery fund.” There shall be separate warrants prepared and used for the withdrawal of these funds. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 149 § 1, 1949)
2.44.090 Charges for interment rights and services.
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Lot and Niche |
Fee |
Additional Information |
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Adult Lot |
$900 |
Will Accommodate 1 Casket + 3 Cremains or 4 Cremain Burials per Lot |
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Child Lot |
$300 |
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Infant Lot |
$200 |
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Upright Monument Lots |
$2,300 |
This Price Is for 2 Lots – Always Sold in Pairs |
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Cremain Lot |
$200 |
1 Cremain per Single Cremain Lot |
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Old Niche Wall – Single Niche |
$800 |
Silver Star/St. Helen’s/Mt. Adam’s Walls |
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Old Niche Wall – Double Niche |
$1,300 |
Silver Star/St. Helen’s/Mt. Adam’s Walls |
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New 2013 Niche Wall – Single Niche |
$950 |
Olympic and Mt. Hood Walls |
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New 2013 Niche Wall – Double Niche |
$1,500 |
Olympic and Mt. Hood Walls |
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Cremain Garden |
$500 |
All-in-1 Fee Includes Burial and Plaque |
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Perpetual Care Fee – In-ground Lots |
$225 |
1-Time Fee Added to the Purchase of the Lot |
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Perpetual Care Fee – Niche |
$200 |
1-Time Fee Added to the Purchase of the Niche |
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Perpetual Care Fee – Cremain Garden |
$100 |
1-Time Fee Added to the Purchase of the Cremain Garden Burial |
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Perpetual Care Fee – Cremain Lot |
$50 |
1-Time Fee Added to the Purchase of Cremain Lot |
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Service |
Fee |
Additional Information |
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Adult Casket Burial |
Funeral Home |
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Child Casket Burial |
Funeral Home |
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Infant Casket Burial |
Funeral Home |
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Niche Wall Inurnment |
$300 |
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Cremain (In Ground) Burial |
$345 |
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Adult Casket Liner (Polypropylene Only) |
Funeral Home |
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Cremain Liner (Polypropylene Only) |
$200 |
Required for All Degradable-Collapsible Urns and Containers |
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Canvas Tent Set-up – 15' x 15' |
$60 |
Royal Blue Canvas Tent |
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Pop-up Tent Set-up – 10' x 10' (Each) |
$25 |
White Canvas Pop-Ups with Metal Frames |
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Saturday – Casket Burial |
$460 |
These Charges Are in Addition to Regular Burial Fees |
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Saturday – Cremain Or Niche Burial |
$275 |
These Charges Are in Addition to Regular Burial Fees |
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Sunday/Holiday – Casket Burial |
$690 |
These Charges Are in Addition to Regular Burial Fees |
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Combined Burials – WMC 2.44.095: Approved May of 2014 (Maximum of Two Burials) |
When 2 burials occur together such as when 2 cremation urns are inurned together in a double niche at the same time, or when 2 cremation urns are ground-buried in a single liner at the same time in a full grave, or when the ashes from 2 single urns are combined in 1 uni-vault for ground burial in a full grave, or when a casket contains cremated remains of a second individual, the burial with the higher rate will be charged the full respective rate and the burial with the lower rate will be charged for half of its respective rate. A maximum of 2 cremated remains per burial discount is allowed. The discounted rate does not apply to single cremation lots or the cremain garden. |
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Disinterment |
City charges 3 times the cost of the type of burial – State disinterment permit is required – Relocation will incur additional burial and marker fees. Removal of uncremated remains from WMC will require state transit permit. |
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Marker Settings and Monument Base Pours: |
Fee |
Additional Information |
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All Measurements Noted in Inches – 1 Marker per Lot Permitted |
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12 x 24 or 12 x 16.5 Flat Marker |
Funeral Home |
Only a 12 x 16.5 Marker Is Permitted on Cremain Lots |
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12 x 36 Flat Marker |
Funeral Home |
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12 x 48 Flat Marker |
Funeral Home |
Permitted Only Between 2 Adult Lots |
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12 x 24 Upright Monument Base |
Funeral Home |
For Upright Monument Sections A, B, 1, and 6 |
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12 x 36 Upright Monument Base |
Funeral Home |
For Upright Monument Sections A, B, 1, and 6 |
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12 x 48 Upright Monument Base |
Funeral Home |
Permitted Only Between 2 or More Adult Lots. For Upright Monument Sections A, B, 1, And 6 |
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Additional Services: |
Fee |
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Vase Setting |
$12 |
Per Vase Set in Concrete with Marker |
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Vase Block Setting |
$120 |
Includes Vase, Housing, and Reduced Concrete Surround |
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Purchase of Vase for Setting |
$85 |
Vase and Vase Housing Only |
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Niche Inscription – Single |
Actual Cost |
Per Instance of Panel Removal for Work. Hold Harmless Required |
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Niche Inscription – Double |
Actual Cost |
Per Instance of Panel Removal for Work. Hold Harmless Required |
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Marker Cleaning |
$36 |
Per Each Marker. Hold Harmless Required |
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Marker Removal |
$138 |
Hold Harmless Required |
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Sand/Paint Vases and Housing |
$60 |
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Staking Ground Lots (without a Service) |
Actual Cost |
Actual Time Charged at Current Shop Rate |
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Genealogical Searches |
Actual Cost |
Actual Time Charged at Current Shop Rate |
(Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1802 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1781 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 1744 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 1643 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 1593 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1548 § 1 (Exh. A), 2006; Ord. 1505 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1443 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1348 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1320 § 1 (Exh. F), 1998; Ord. 1231 § 1, 1997; Ord. 1205 § 1, 1996; Ord. 1143 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1134 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1050 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1009 § 1, 1990; Ord. 991 § 1, 1990; Ord. 953 § 1, 1989; Ord. 882 § 1, 1987; Ord. 860 § 1, 1986; Ord. 845 § 1, 1985; Ord. 805 § 1, 1982; Ord. 772 § 1, 1981; Ord. 731 § 1, 1979; Ord. 710 § 1, 1979; Ord. 698 § 1, 1979; Ord. 604 § 1, 1976; Ord. 543 § 1, 1975; Ord. 519 § 1, 1974; Ord. 444 § 1, 1971; Ord. 119 § 10, 1945)
2.44.095 Combined burials.
When two burials occur together such as when two cremain urns are inurned in a double niche at the same time, or when two cremation urns are ground-buried in a single liner at the same time in a full grave, or when the ashes from two single urns are combined in one uni-vault for ground burial in a full grave, or when a casket contains cremated remains of a second individual, the burial with the higher rate will be charged the full respective rate and the burial with the lower rate will be charged for half of its respective rate. A maximum of two cremated remains per burial discount is allowed. The discounted rate does not apply to single cremation lots or the cremain garden. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1762 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014)
2.44.100 Violations.
It is unlawful:
(1) For any person, firm or corporation to violate any of the provisions of this chapter;
(2) To violate any of the rules and regulations adopted by the cemetery board for the beautification, maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery;
(3) To wilfully damage any tombstone, monument, or marker or to wilfully destroy any cemetery property;
(4) To permit any livestock within the cemetery grounds;
(5) Any person violating any portion of this chapter shall be punished according to the provisions set forth in WMC 1.04.010;
(6) To permit any pets within the cemetery grounds. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 119 § 7, 1945)
2.44.120 Multiple headstones prohibited.
It is specifically prohibited to place more than one headstone on any grave lot in any section in the Washougal Cemetery. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 916 § 3, 1988)
2.44.123 Allowable marker sizes and guidelines.
Borderless markers are prohibited. The raw stone of a permanent flat marker may not exceed the following sizes:
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Flat Markers* |
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For a Single Grave |
(One 4' x 10' Lot) |
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Maximum length |
3' 0'' |
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Maximum width |
1' 0'' |
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(One 2' x 2' Cremain Lot) |
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Maximum length |
1' 4-1/2'' |
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Maximum width |
1' 0'' |
* There shall be a two-inch flexibility variance due to stone cutting procedures. Markers greater than the limits and variance above will be rejected. The city will be held harmless for the costs of removal from the premises and replacement of rejected headstones.
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For a Double Grave |
(Two 4' x 10' Lots) |
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Maximum length |
4' 0'' |
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Maximum width |
1' 0'' |
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(Two 2' x 2' Cremain Lots) |
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Maximum length |
3' 0'' |
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Maximum width |
1' 0'' |
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Double Upright Monuments (Two 4' x 10' Lots) |
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Base Length |
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Minimum |
3' 0'' |
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Maximum* |
6' 0'' |
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*Exception: 5' 6'' for Block 11, Lots 68 – 77 and Block 10, Lots 10 – 19 |
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Base Width |
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Maximum |
2' 0'' |
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Overall Height |
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Minimum |
2' 0'' |
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Maximum |
5' 0'' |
(Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1320 § 1 (Exh. D), 1998)
2.44.125 Temporary markers required.
All burials must be marked by a minimum of a temporary marker at the time of interment. This shall be the sole responsibility of the funeral director involved. In the case of no funeral director, the city shall provide such marker. Temporary markers shall include the name of the deceased, year of birth and year of death. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1105 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993)
2.44.135 Marker settings.
Repealed by Ord. 1926. (Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1320 § 1 (Exh. E), 1998)
2.44.140 Cremain memorial garden (scatter garden).
(1) Placement.
(a) Only cremated remains may be placed in the scatter garden.
(b) Cremated remains buried in the scatter garden may be buried without a container or may be buried in a biodegradable cremain urn. Cremated remains must be delivered to the city already sealed in the biodegradable urn. The city staff will not transfer cremated remains from one container to another.
(c) Cremated remains are scattered in a common area and may be commingled with other cremated remains previously placed.
(d) Cremated remains scattered in the scatter garden are not recoverable.
(e) The city may dispose of cremain urns/containers as it wishes unless deceased’s authorized representative had made other arrangements in writing.
(f) Unless specific instructions in writing are provided, scattering will be performed by and at the discretion and convenience of the cemetery staff.
(g) A hold harmless authorization form must be completed and signed by the deceased’s authorized representative and city staff before issuance of a burial permit.
(2) Memorial Plaques.
(a) Only people who have purchased space in the scatter garden may have a plaque on the memorial monument. A plaque will be placed for each person laid to rest in the scatter garden.
(b) Plaques may not be removed once placed.
(c) All plaques will conform to a standard size and design approved by the Washougal cemetery board.
(d) Cemetery staff will place the plaques in a specific order. Plaques will be placed in the next available space in the order the memorial monument is being filled. Special requests for plaque placement will not be allowed except for placeholder plaques.
(3) Placement Plaques.
(a) Additional placement plaques may be purchased in order to reserve adjacent space on the memorial monument.
(b) All current ordinances regarding the purchase and sale of cemetery property apply.
(c) The cost of purchasing a placeholder plaque will be determined at the current market cost of installation on the memorial monument.
(d) The purchase of a placeholder plaque is separate from the scatter garden package.
(4) Decorations.
(a) Planting of flowers, shrubs, trees or any other plant within the scatter garden will not be allowed except by city staff or those authorized by city staff.
(b) No statues, fencing, monuments or other decorations, other than cut flowers, may be placed in the scatter garden, except as noted in WMC 2.44.045.
(c) Refer to WMC 2.44.045 for general cemetery decoration regulations. (Ord. 1926 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1711 § 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1548 § 2 (Exh. B), 2006)