Zephyr Cemetery
Guidelines & Regulations
The guidelines and regulations presented in this document are intended to ensure that our cemetery is kept in order and readily accessible to visitors as well as maintenance workers.
PURCHASER’S RIGHTS
We frequently use the phrase “buying a cemetery lot,” but what is actually purchased is the right of interment in a reserved lot. The “right of interment” always implies an agreement to abide by the cemetery's guidelines and regulations. A lot, grave, or grave space means a 4’ by 10’ area in the Cemetery reserved for interment.
RETURNABILITY AND TRANSFER
The Cemetery does not refund the purchase price of reserved lots. The reserved lots may be donated back to the Cemetery or transferred to another person, provided the Cemetery is notified in writing with the recipient’s name and contact information. No transfer or assignment of a reserved lot or interment therein shall be valid until such transfer or assignment has been approved by a representative of the Cemetery.
CARE OF THE LOT
The Cemetery will be responsible for the care and maintenance of lots necessitated by natural growth and ordinary wear. The Cemetery is not responsible for the repair of markers or memorials damaged by any cause beyond the Cemetery’s reasonable control.
CREMATED REMAINS
The spreading of cremated remains anywhere on Cemetery property is not permitted. The following requirements pertaining to the burial of cremated remains must be met:
1. The urn containing the remains must be buried to a depth that allows at least 10 inches of fill dirt to cover the urn.
2. Cremated remains may be buried on the same lot as a previous burial, provided:
a) A burial fee is to be paid for the burial of the cremated remains;
b) Permission for that burial is granted by the person who originally reserved the lot; and
c) All applicable memorial marker requirements are observed.
MEMORIAL MARKERS
Memorial dealers who are contracted to place a marker or headstone on a grave must work with the Cemetery representative to ensure an exact and specific location for the marker. Markers that are out of place cause confusion and lead to maintenance problems.
1. A headstone is a memorial marker of granite or other approved stone that extends above ground level. Headstones must have a base that extends at least 3 inches beyond the sides of the headstone.
2. Single headstone markers may be no wider than 3 feet (including base), and double headstone (companion) markers may be no wider than 6 feet (including base).
3. Upright markers must accompany all foot markers. They may be no wider than 2 feet and must be flush with the ground.
4. Markers must be placed at grave spaces within a period not to exceed twelve (12) months from the date of interment and indicate the name, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased.
5. All markers not in line with the headstone row must be flush with the ground.
BENCHES
Benches must be constructed of monument-grade granite, marble, concrete, or metal designs approved by the Board of Directors. Benches are permitted only at the foot of the grave and parallel with the headstone. No benches or chairs of any kind are allowed in the center section of the lots. Any existing benches or chairs on lots presently that become unsafe or unsightly will be removed by Cemetery staff at any time and future replacements must meet these guidelines.
CURBING AND FENCING
No new curbing or fencing is permitted on cemetery lots.
DECORATIONS
The Cemetery does NOT grant the right to the purchaser to plant flowers, shrubs, or trees. No right has been granted to erect free-standing statues, landscaping timbers, stones, blocks, bricks, decorative gravel, borders, or any other such decorations.
All floral designs or decorations should be in a vase permanently attached to the headstone or other receptacle placed immediately adjacent to the headstone. Any decorations or flower arrangements otherwise placed will be removed at the time of mowing.
Decorations will be removed by Cemetery staff when they:
1. become dead, faded, broken, or unsightly (particularly artificial flowers); or
2. create a safety hazard; or
3. cause additional maintenance burdens.
The placing of boxes, shells, stones, boulders, toys, metal designs, ornaments, statues, pinwheels, chairs, settees, unattached vases, urns, wood, metal cases or decorations “on a stick” and similar articles upon lots or grave spaces is not permitted. Glass objects are not permitted to be placed in the Cemetery.
Flags honoring veterans and placed immediately adjacent to the grave marker are permitted.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to regulate the method of decorating lots and the right to regulate decorations so that a uniform natural appearance may be maintained.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
The current burial fee for the Zephyr Cemetery is $400 per lot or additional interment on a reserved lot.
GENERAL
The Board of Directors reserves the right to change, amend, alter, or rescind these guidelines and regulations or any part thereof, or to adopt any new guidelines or regulations concerning the Cemetery or anything pertaining thereto. These guidelines and regulations adopted by the Board of Directors of the Zephyr Cemetery Association on October 20, 2022, take effect immediately and supersede any guidelines and regulations previously issued by the Zephyr Cemetery Association.