Cemetery Rules and Regulations - City of Alma

COLUMBARIUM
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
ALMA, MI

Approved by City Commission: March 28, 2000.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Municipal Policy& Rates ......................................................3
General Rules & Regulations ..................................................8
Flowers, Plantings and Decorations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Section S Rules & Regulations ................................................24
Section W Rules & Regulations ................................................26
Section T Upright Monument Rules & Regulations .................................29
Section T Flush Monument Rules & Regulations ..................................31
Section U Two & Four Grave Rules & Regulations .................................32
Section Baby U Rules & Regulations ............................................34
Military Section Rules & Regulations ...........................................35
Personal Mausoleums Rules & Regulations .......................................37
Columbarium Rules & Regulations .............................................38
Affidavit for Disinterment and Reinterment .......................................39
Riverside Cemetery Map .....................................................43
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RIVERSIDE CEMETERY AS OF JULY 1, 2012
MUNICIPAL POLICY
CITY OF ALMA, MICHIGAN
3. CEMETERY
3.1 Lot Prices Resident Non-Resident
Section U - Four grave lot $1,600.00 $3,200.00
Section U - Two grave lot 800.00 1,600.00
3.2 Single Grave
Adult - Block "T" $ 500.00 $1,000.00
Infant - Block "U" 400.00 800.00
Crypt All sold All sold
Columbarium Niche 300.00 600.00
3.3
Transfer of Lot/Grave(s) Ownership
Owners of Lot/Grave(s) may transfer ownership to another party by notification to the City of
Alma in writing. Any transfer of ownership for one or more burial spaces from the original
City resident purchaser to a City resident or a Non-resident purchaser to a Non-resident shall
be charged $20.00 per grave.
Any transfer of ownership for one or more burial spaces from an original City resident
purchaser to a Non-resident shall be charged the difference between the resident and nonresident
purchase fee per Lot/Grave(s).
3.4 Interment Charge
Full Burial Adult/Child $ 600.00 $1,200.00
Full Burial after hours 750.00 1,500.00
Full Burial Sundays, and Holidays 1,000.00 2,000.00
Full Burial Infant 400.00 800.00
Full Burial Infant after hours 500.00 1,000.00
Full Burial Infant Sundays & Holidays 700.00 1,400.00
Cremation Burial 260.00 520.00
Cremation after hours 350.00 700.00
Cremation Burial Sundays & Holidays 400.00 800.00
Crypt Opening 350.00 700.00
Crypt Opening after hours 450.00 900.00
Crypt Opening Sundays & Holidays 600.00 1,200.00
Columbarium Opening 150.00 300.00
Columbarium after hours 200.00 400.00
Columbarium Sundays & Holiday 250.00 500.00
**Any Funeral arriving at Riverside Cemetery on or after 3:00 p.m. on a scheduled work day
shall be completed, and the charges for that Interment will be at the after hour rate.**
3.5 Disinterment (Reinterment in Riverside) Regular Time Only
Adult/Child $1,500.00
Infant 1,000.00
Ashes 600.00
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3.6 Disinterment (Removal to Other Cemetery) Regular Time Only
Adult/Child $ 800.00
Infant 500.00
Ashes 300.00
3.7 Charges for Endowment
Per Grave/Niche $ 50.00
3.8 Marker and Monument Foundation
Foundation Size Monument Size Resident Non Resident
20 x 20 Urn Base 8 x 16 $210.00 $420.00
16 x 24 10 x 18, 10 x 20 $225.00 $450.00
Max. Size Mon. 12 x 20
18 x 30 10 x 24, 12 x 24 $275.00 $550.00
Max. Size Mon. 14 x 26
18 x 40 12x34, 10x30, 12x30, $300.00 $600.00
12x36, 12x38
Max. Size Monument 14 x 38
Max. Size for Block T single grave markers
18 x 52 12 x 36, 12 x 38, 12 x 40 $350.00 $700.00
12 x 42, 12 x 48, 14 x 46
14 x 48,
Max. Size Mon. 14 x 48
20 x 66 14 x 54, 14 x 60 $400.00 $800.00
Max. Size Monument 16 x 60
Block T & U 12 x 24 Flush Granite Marker $115.00 $230.00
Sand compacted
Block T
12 x 48 Flush Granite Marker
Sand compacted $170.00 $340.00
Poured
Based on actual cost - Labor & Material
Military Foundation Eligible Gratiot County Veterans $50.00
Revised 6/12/12
All of the above rates are calculated on time and materials. The above pre-cast size will allow a
wide range of stones to be set on a pre-cast foundation. The pre-cast can be fabricated in the off
season and be available to be set in the spring.
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3.9 Non-resident Surcharge
A person who is not a resident of the City of Alma shall be charged additionally for
each grave purchase, and for each grave opening (see Cemetery Prices). The residence
at the time of purchase and burial shall be controlling.
3.10 Cemetery Hours
Riverside Cemetery will be open the following dates and hours:
May 1 - September 30
October 1 - April 30
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3.11 Use of Chapel for Interment
The cemetery sexton may require the use of the cemetery chapel in lieu of grave side
services during inclement weather or spring thaws, during which ground conditions are
unstable.
3.12 Winter Burial Surcharge
All burials performed from November 1 through March 31 shall be charged a $225.00
surcharge. The surcharge shall cover expenses for the operation and availability of the
cemetery chapel or special services, such as snow removal, frost penetration or lawn
restoration.
3.13 Personal Mausoleums
The following requirements shall be fulfilled for the placement of a Personal Mausoleum at
Riverside Cemetery:
1) A personal mausoleum may only be placed in the designated area established at the
cemetery. The area designated for a Personal Mausoleum shall be adjacent to Cemetery
Sections A & C, east of the cemetery drive and adjacent to the cemetery perimeter fence.
2) Lot sizes shall be 30ft x 30ft. The mausoleum shall be centered within the lot.
3) Mausoleum size maximum shall be 8 crypts with an approximate size of 15ft square.
4) Lot price: $5,500.
5) In addition to the lot sale, owner shall contribute 10% of the completed construction cost
of the mausoleum to the cemetery perpetual care fund. Maintenance on structure is the
responsibility of lot owner. Perpetual care funds are utilized to maintain the grounds
adjacent to the mausoleum as well as long term maintenance of the structure in the event
the owner fails to fulfill the maintenance needs.
6) Mausoleum shall face the cemetery road; however family name may be placed on both
ends.
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7) The specifications of a mausoleum shall be subject to the approval of the City of Alma
with the following minimum requirements:
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
Owner shall obtain all applicable building permits
Building shall be manufactured and constructed by an established mausoleum
company, subject to the approval of the City of Alma.
Manufactures shall provide a 30 year minimum warranty certification.
All fasteners shall be of stainless steel.
All exterior surfaces shall be constructed of 6" minimum thickness durable
granite or marble. Polished surface is recommended.
Floor shall be of one solid piece design.
The foundation must conform with local building code requirements and
constructed by an established masonry contractor, subject to the approval of the
City of Alma.
3.14 Columbarium
1) FEES: Resident Non-Resident
Single Space: $ 300.00 $ 600.00
Internment charge:
Standard weekday (7:00 a.m. ˝ 3:00 p.m. **): $ 150.00 $300.00
Overtime on or after 3:00 p.m. ** & Saturdays: $ 200.00 $400.00
Sundays & Holidays: $ 250.00 $500.00
Endowment Charge:
$ 50.00 per niche
Winter surcharge: $ 225.00
2) RULES:
T Until wilted, one small bouquet of fresh flowers may be placed at the
base of the columbarium at the time of internment.
T Lettering of niche face will be of engraved type and performed by a
monument company.
T All internments performed by cemetery personnel.
T Unless otherwise provided for, flowers, glass containers or decorations
are not permitted on or around the columbarium except within furnished
adjacent urns.
T Limit of one cremains per niche.
T Niche owners may install one durable vase, with a maximum height of 6
inches, on the niche face for cut flowers. Installation shall be by a
Monument Company.
Resolution Policy Effective
07/01/76 Rev. 05/27/97 Rev.06/12/12
Rev. 07/01/77 Rev. 11/10/98
Rev. 07/12/78 Rev. 02/23/99
Rev. 01/08/80 Rev. 07/13/99
Rev. 01/22/85 Rev. 03/28/00
Rev. 07/01/92 Rev. 02/13/01
Rev. 10/26/95 Rev. 05/26/09
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RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
RULES AND REGULATIONS
7

RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR OPERATION AND USE OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
AND FIXING SCHEDULE OF RATES AND CHARGES
DATED: AUGUST 1, 1959
The City of Alma, State of Michigan developed a municipal cemetery which is known as Riverside
Cemetery.
Through its years of experience and because of the fact that certain objectionable features are
prevalent in the older type cemeteries, the City Commission has adopted the following rules and
regulations which in its opinion will afford the maximum protection to the lot owners and will best
insure the orderly growth and development of the Cemetery as designed.
DEDICATION:
The Cemetery grounds are dedicated to the proper burial and repose of the human dead and to that
purpose only.
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The City reserves the right to make such changes or alterations in the rules and regulations as may
from time to time seem expedient.
OBJECT:
The object is to provide the public (1) with a modern cemetery, (2) burial space at a reasonable cost
and (3) perpetual care and maintenance of the entire property.
TAXES:
Cemetery lots are not taxable.
DEFINITION OF LOT OWNERS:
The term lot or grave owner is intended and shall be construed to mean the owner of "Burial Rights,"
the owner of burial privilege or the collateral right of use of any burial lot purchased from the City
for a consideration evidenced by a "Burial Right Certificate" or be proved and recognized descent or
devise from the original owner where same is placed on record with the City.
TRANSFER:
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Burial rights may be transferred only upon written permission of the City or its agent endorsed upon
the original certificate.
All applications for transfer rights must be accompanied by a statement showing good and sufficient
reasons for such transfer and in no instance will such transfer be permitted where the purpose is
speculative or where such transfer would seem undesirable.
LOTS:
The grade lines of all lots and single burials are established before lots or graves are sold and will not
be changed.
The City reserves the right to perform all work for the care and upkeep of all lots and graves.
Unsightly objects, erected or placed upon lots, out of harmony with the general landscape design as
adopted by the City will not be permitted and whenever objects of such nature are placed on lots or
graves, the City reserves the right to remove them without notice.
JOINT OWNERSHIP:
The City only advises joint ownership between husband and wife.
DIVIDED OWNERSHIP:
The City strongly advises against any partnership arrangement on a lot and refuses any responsibility
or liability for disagreement arising from or as a result of such divided ownership.
In case of partnership or divided ownership, the order of either or any of the recorded owners will
be accepted for burial on the lot unless (1) the original owner or owners have designated and had
recorded in the cemetery office those whom they wish to be buried or not to be buried on the lot or
(2) unless written objection is made to the cemetery office prior to such burial.
The possession of a burial right certificate is not of itself sufficient evidence on which to record the
transfer of ownership of a lot or grave; the legal right to ownership should be established and
recorded at the City Clerk's office. A certified copy of the will and probate court proceedings would
afford proper evidence of ownership or heirship.
PERPETUAL CARE:
Shall consist of the mowing of all lots and graves at reasonable intervals and also such items as raising
of sunken graves and semi-seasonal inspection. Perpetual Care does not include anything but the
essential features of lot maintenance as outlined above, as it would be manifestly unfair and unwise
to raise the price of Perpetual Care to include all of the individual items of service and care required
9

y some lot or grave owners. For this reason stated, Perpetual Care will not include the repair,
maintenance or replacement of any monument, marker or other lot adornment nor will it include the
watering of plants, urns, beds or baskets or the annual placing of beds or cut flowers except as such
work is done in the normal care incidental to regular maintenance.
Perpetual Care as outlined above will provide all the essential requirements of a well kept cemetery
in which all lots will be under perpetual care, or care forever without further expense to the lot owner.
Perpetual Care Endowment costs are $25.00 per grave. This cost is included in the current sale price
of a cemetery lot or grave. Some of the Cemetery’s previously sold lots have endowments owing and
burial will not take place on these grave sites until all endowment charges are paid in full.
THE IDEAL LOT:
An ideal lot would be a family lot which would provide burial space for your entire family. A
monument if used should be of suitable proportion and carry the family name. Markers, if used,
should conform to the monument in material and lettering. The planting of dwarf evergreens or dwarf
shrubs may be planted at site of the monument but must be approved by a Cemetery Official. The
rest of the lot would be in grass which would properly set off the lot and the planting. Provision for
the placing of cut flowers should be made adjacent to the marker. Such a lot would be in very good
taste and of very good design.
If a monument was not used; an urn would take the place of the monument and the bed.
TREES AND SHRUBS:
The City reserves the right to do any and all planting of trees and shrubs in the Cemetery but may
issue a planting permit on written request of a lot owner when accompanied by a suitable landscape
plan designating material to be used and the location of same on the lot. Such application should be
made at least two weeks prior to the planting season in the spring or fall.
The City will remove without notice trees or shrubs planted in violation of this rule.
The trimming, pruning or removing of any branch or bloom from any tree or shrub in the cemetery
shall be entirely under the supervision of the City.
CUT FLOWERS:
Cut flowers will be allowed at any time when suitably placed. The City suggests the setting of the
patented flower vase which sets into the ground when not in use and leaves the surface of the lot
clear.
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SHRUBS, ETC:
The promiscuous planting of flowers, perennials and shrubs over the lot is extremely objectionable
both in appearance and from the standpoint of proper lot maintenance and will not be allowed.
Individual attention will be given each lot owner in the proper development of his lot if desired.
SECTION 1. Conduct in Cemeteries. No person shall:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Enter a cemetery except through an established gate.
Deposit rubbish or debris on any part of a cemetery grounds, except on the edge of
cemetery drives or in receptacles provided.
Pick or mutilate any flowers, either wild or domestic, or disturb any tree, shrub, or
other plant material.
Consume refreshments or liquors in a cemetery or carry same upon the premises.
Permit any dog to enter or remain in a cemetery.
Use any form of advertising on cemetery premises.
Discharge a firearm in or adjacent to any cemetery. This prohibition shall not apply
to authorized volleys at burial services.
SECTION 2. Admittance of Children to Cemeteries. No person or persons under 18 years of
age shall enter a cemetery unless attended by an adult or adults responsible for their conduct or until
permission to enter has been obtained from the Superintendent.
SECTION 3. Financial Responsibility of City for Property Damage. The City shall not be
financially responsible for any damage to lots and structures or objects thereon, or for flowers or
articles removed from any lot or grave.
SECTION 4. Traffic Regulations. All traffic laws of the City of Alma that are applicable to
operation of vehicles in cemeteries shall be strictly observed. A person driving in a cemetery shall be
responsible for any damage by the vehicle. In addition, no person shall:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Drive in excess of 15 miles per hour.
Drive off the established roads.
Make a U-turn.
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(d)
Use a cemetery road as a public thoroughfare.
PURCHASE OF LOTS
SECTION 5. Conditions of Lot Purchases. All lots shall be sold subject to these rules and
regulations or those hereafter adopted, and the muniment of title shall so state. No lot shall be used
for any purpose other than the burial of human remains and the placing of appropriate memorials.
Interment of the remains of any person other than the owner of a lot or any member of the immediate
family will be permitted only after written consent by the owner, owners, or authorized agent has
been filed with the City Clerk. In the case of a minor, the guardian or authorized agent thereof shall
give such consent upon proof of authority to act. Burial lots are exempt from ordinary taxes and
cannot be seized on execution. The City may impose specific charges against lots. No mortgage or
other encumbrance shall be given on any lot.
SECTION 6. Purchase Procedure. The purchase of a lot shall be evidenced by execution of a
purchase contract, upon forms furnished by the City, describing the lot and stating the purchase price,
amount paid, and terms for payment of the balance, if any. Such purchase contracts are subject to
approval of the City Clerk as to price and credit terms. When a lot is purchased by more that one
person, each person's interest in the lot shall be specifically stated. When a 2 or 4 grave lot is paid
for in full, a muniment of title for cemetery purposes only shall be issued to the purchaser by the City
of Alma, and executed by its Mayor and City Clerk.
SECTION 7. Transfer of Lots. The transfer of lots to another party shall be recorded in the office
of the City Clerk which office shall notify the Supervisor of Cemeteries of such transfer. No person
shall be recognized as owner or part owner unless so recorded in the office of the City Clerk.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF LOTS
SECTION 8. General Maintenance. General maintenance of the cemetery which is designed to
improve the over-all appearance and condition, shall be the responsibility of the City. It shall include
such items as the upkeep of drives, buildings, sewers, water lines, and fences. It shall also include
the following items of basic lot care: annual spring clean-up, periodic cutting of grass, and raking of
leaves. General maintenance shall apply to all lots and graves.
SECTION 9. Care of Lots in Upright Marker Sections. In the upright marker sections of the
cemetery, lot owners may provide additional care, above and beyond that provided by general
maintenance, by performing such work personally upon approval of the Superintendent.
(a)
Annual Care. Annual care includes the regular mowing of the lot, trimming around
monuments and markers when necessary and pruning trees and shrubs, except hedges.
Charges for annual care are based upon the size of the lot and are payable annually in
advance.(Grave Lots not endowed with perpetual care.)
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(b)
Endowed Care. Endowed care is a plan whereby the continued care of a lot may be
insured by means of an endowment. The endowment necessary to provide adequate
care is established at $25.00 per grave at time of sale of the Cemetery Lots.
SECTION 10. Care of Lots in Flush Marker Sections. In the flush marker sections of the
cemetery, the City will perform all additional care or special services that are necessary to keep these
areas in a satisfactory condition at all times. Lot owners need not, nor are they permitted to perform
any individual work on lots in flush marker sections.
DECORATION OF LOTS
SECTION 11. Definition. Lot decorations shall be deemed to include all structures,
ornaments, plantings, or other embellishments, with the exception of monuments and markers or
mausoleums, which are placed on cemetery lots with the intention of improving their appearance.
Because certain types of individual lot decorations are not in harmony with the development of the
cemetery as a whole or because they may intensify maintenance problems, the City enforces certain
rules regarding the decoration of cemetery lots.
SECTION 12. Decoration of Lots in Upright Marker Sections. The following rules shall
be observed with regard to the decoration of cemetery lots in the upright marker sections of the
cemeteries:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Copings, fences, curbs, steps, structures of wood or other equally perishable material
are prohibited. Those structures or enclosures established on any lot previous to the
adoption of these regulations which have, in the judgment of the cemetery
management, become unsightly by reason of neglect or age shall be removed.
No elevated mounds shall be built over graves and no lot shall be filled above the
grade established by the city.
Receptacles for cut flowers will be permitted if installed flush with the surface of the
lawn. The use of glass jars or bottles as receptacles for cut flowers is strictly
prohibited.
Winter decorations may be maintained on graves until March 31st. If such
decorations are not removed by March 1st, they shall be considered abandoned and
may be disposed of by the cemetery management.
Urns shall be permitted only if properly installed and maintained. Any urns not in use
by June 1st will be removed.
Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets: Will be allowed in all sections of the
cemetery except; Military, Masonic R & T, Flush T, and Baby U. The hooks will
have to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging
directly over the monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The
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hooks must be of the single type and only one hook per monument. All hooks must
be made of steal and be kept painted, any hooks that become rusted and unsightly will
be removed without notice. All hooks must be made of a minimum of ½" thick steel.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Straw or paper flowers, toys or other unsightly objects, will not be permitted as grave
decorations and when used, they will be removed without notice.
Plantings shall be permitted only under supervision of the Superintendent or his
assistants, and after receiving written permission therefor. Plantings placed on a lot
without a permit will be removed without notice.
The planting of hedges is strictly prohibited. Existing hedges will be removed
whenever they become unsightly or encroach upon an adjoining lot or path.
The City will remove all flowers, trees and shrubs which have become unsightly or
dangerous.
No deciduous tree or conifer shall be removed or pruned except under the direction
and with the consent of the Superintendent, or his assistants.
SECTION 13. Decoration of Lots in Flush Marker Sections. The following rules shall be
observed with regard to the decoration of lots in the flush marker sections of the cemeteries:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
No planting shall be made by anyone other than cemetery employees on flush marker
sections. Such planting as may be installed by cemetery employees will be limited to
areas set aside for that purpose.
Cut flowers will be permitted provided they are placed in approved receptacles,
installed flush with the lawn surface.
Potted plants will be permitted to remain on lots from the last week of May until June
15. If left after this date, they will be removed without notice.
No other lot decoration of any description will be permitted on lots in flush marker
sections.
SINGLE GRAVES
SECTION 14. Purchase of Single Graves. For the accommodation of those who are not
able or who do not choose to purchase family lots, certain portions of the cemetery have been platted
as single graves sections. These graves may be purchased at any time and in any quantity desired.
14

SECTION 15. Care of Single Graves. Single graves in sections designated as flush marker
sections will receive the same type of care as do lots in flush marker sections. Single graves in
upright marker sections will only receive general maintenance.
SECTION 16. Decoration of Single Graves. The restrictions regulating the decoration of
upright and flush marker lots (Sections 13 and 14 of these regulations) shall also apply to the single
graves in these classifications.
SECTION 17. Burial of Indigents in Single Graves. The City will provide a single grave
space without charge for those persons being buried at public expense.
VETERAN'S MEMORIAL PLOTS
SECTION 18. Use of Veterans' Memorial Plots. Certain sections of the cemetery have been
set aside to honor those veterans who have honorably served in the military or naval forces of the
United States during time of war. Burial spaces in these sections are furnished without charge to
eligible veterans. Applications for permission for burial in a Veterans' Memorial Plot may be obtained
from the City Clerk.
SECTION 19. Care of Graves in Veterans' Memorial Plots. All graves in the Veterans'
Memorial Plots will receive the same type of care as lots in flush marker sections. Relatives or friends
of the deceased will be allowed to give any additional care to the grave.
SECTION 20. Decoration of Graves in Veterans' Memorial Plots. Decoration of these
graves shall be provided through the Veterans Organizations. Care of graves in this plot will be the
responsibility of the Veterans Organizations.
FUNERALS AND INTERMENTS
SECTION 21. Conditions to be Fulfilled Before Interment. No interment shall take place
without a Burial Permit, nor until the person making arrangements for the interment has complied
with all laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations relative to burials. Undertakers making
arrangements for burials shall be responsible for all interment charges if not paid by the owner or his
agent.
SECTION 22. Funerals. All funerals within the cemetery shall be under the direction of the
superintendent, or his assistants. No burials shall be made on Sundays or legal holidays, except by
order of the City Clerk. The charge for a service on a Sunday or a legal holiday shall be twice the
ordinary charge for weekday funerals. The cemetery management reserves the right to remove
funeral designs and floral pieces as soon as they become unsightly.
SECTION 23.
for all interments:
Types of Interment Service. One of the following services shall be required
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(a)
(b)
Graveside Service.
Chapel Service. The chapel at Riverside Cemetery shall be available for interment
services in lieu of the graveside service. The Cemetery sexton may require the use of
the cemetery chapel in lieu of grave side services during inclement weather or spring
thaws, during which ground conditions are unstable.
SECTION 24. Permanent Outside Containers. In all adult interments the casket shall be
enclosed in a permanent outside container. The following are considered permanent outside
containers; concrete boxes, concrete, copper or steel burial vaults, and sectional concrete crypts.**
All cremain internments shall be enclosed in a permanent outside container. The following are
considered permanent outside containers; plastic or marble container from crematorium, urn, and/ or
concrete, copper or steel cremain burial vaults.
** Approved 10/12/99.
SECTION 25. General Interment Restrictions. Only one interment in any one grave shall
be permitted, except that cremated remains may be buried above another grave. The Superintendent
of the Cemetery shall not be held responsible for errors in location of graves on lots arising from
improper instructions of lot owners. Under no circumstances shall the City assume responsibility for
error in opening graves when orders are given by telephone. No graves shall be opened except by
workmen employed by the cemetery management. Outside containers shall not be delivered to
cemeteries on Sunday. Undertakers are to arrange the time of funeral so that cemetery workmen can
complete interment by 3:30 p.m. In case this cannot be done, an extra charge as provided herein shall
be made for all overtime worked by cemetery employees.
DISINTERMENT
SECTION 26. General Restrictions. Disinterment of a body once properly interred shall not
be made without an order signed by a court of competent jurisdiction , or on the written order of the
local Health Officer*. Graves shall not be opened for inspection except for official investigation. All
disinterments shall be made between May 1st and October 1st of any calendar year. Any markers or
monuments designating the location of an interment shall be removed at the time a disinterment is
made.
* Department of Public Health, Office of Vital and Health Statistics, Disinterment - Reinterment
Filed with the Secretary of State on February 25, 1982. These rules take effect 15 days after filing
with the Secretary of State. (By authority conferred on the department of public health by section
2853 of Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended being §333.2853 of the Michigan
Complied Laws).
R 325.8051
Discovery of remains; notification of police required; exception.
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Rule 1. A person who inadvertently discovers a burial or parts of a human skeleton shall
immediately notify the police authority of the jurisdiction where the remains are found. If preliminary
inspection by the police authority indicates that the remains are those of a prehistoric or historic
native American, the state archaeologist of the Michigan history division, department of state, shall
be immediately notified of the finding. This rule does not apply to archaeological excavations
conducted by representatives of established scientific institutions or societies.
R 325.8052 Disinterment permit; application; fee.
Rule 2. (1) A request for a disinterment permit shall be made to the local health officer in
whose district the cemetery is located, and the request shall be made on an affidavit which is signed
by a licensed funeral director and by a person or persons as follows:
(a) The surviving spouse.
(b) If no surviving spouse, then by all surviving children.
(c) If no surviving children, then by the surviving parents.
(d) If no surviving parents, then by all surviving brothers and sisters.
(2) The request shall be accompanied by a fee established by the local health
department pursuant to section 2444 of Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended, being
§333.2444 of the Michigan Complied Laws.
R 325.8053 Affidavit content.
Rule 3. An affidavit shall contain all of the following information:
(a) The name and address of the licensed funeral director to whom the permit is to be
issued.
(b) The name and address of the person petitioning for the permit.
(c) The name of the lot or the burial right owner.
(d) The name of the deceased.
(e) The present location of the grave, including the lot number, the section number, or
other location, such as a location in a mausoleum.
(f) Reinterment location.
(g) Relationship of petitioner to deceased.
(h) Reason for disinterment.
(i) Approval of all persons who may have a claim for the deceased as specified in R
325.8052.
(j) Written consent of the lot or burial space owner or owners, if other than petitioner.
R 325.8054 Local health officer; duties.
Rule 4. The local health officer or his or her designated representative shall do all of the
following:
(a) Review the affidavit for disinterment - reinterment.
(b) Issue the disinterment - reinterment permit if the consent required by R 325.8052(1)
has been obtained, or deny the disinterment - reinterment permit if the consent
required by
R 325.8052(1) has not been obtained.
17

(c)
(d)
Provide instructions or guidance to the funeral director on the handling of the
disintered body which is necessary to protect the health of the public and those
handling the disintered body.
Retain the affidavit for a period of not less than 5 years.
R 325.8055 Disinterment of cremated remains; opening casket; permit not required.
Rule 5. (1) A permit is not required to disinter cremated remains. A request to disinter
cremated remains may be made to the cemetery by the next surviving kin, as designated in R
325.8052, on an affidavit described in R 3258053. The affidavit shall be maintained as part of the
permanent records of the cemetery from which the cremated remains are removed.
(2) A permit is not required to open a casket to remove an article or to place an article
in a casket.
R 325.8056 Cemetery retention of permit.
Rule 6. A duplicate copy of the permit shall be maintained as part of the permanent records
of the cemetery from which the deceased was removed.
R 325.8057 Transportation of disintered body.
Rule 7. A disintered body shall not be accepted for transportation by common or contract
carrier unless it has been enclosed in a container which insures against leakage, offensive odors, and
other menaces to the public health and safety. A disintered body may be transported by private
vehicle, under the supervision of a licensed funeral director, if enclosed in any suitable container
which insures against leakage, offensive odors, and other menaces to the public health and safety.
The licensed funeral director in charge of disinterment shall be responsible for the proper conduct of
the disinterment and removal.
MONUMENTS AND MARKERS
SECTION 27. Monuments. In sections where they are permitted, monuments shall be placed
in the center of a lot except where alignment with existing nearby monuments justifies another
location. Approval of the location in any case must be obtained from the Superintendent of Cemetery
before a monument is set. Not more than one monument shall be erected on any lot. No monument
shall be erected on a lot in a flush marker section. No monument shall be placed upon a lot unless
such lot has been paid for in full.
SECTION 28. Upright Markers. In sections where they are permitted, single upright
markers shall consist of one piece and shall consist of a durable type of granite or marble. It shall be
a minimum of 4" thick to a maximum of 6" thick. It shall be 12" wide and 24" long. It can be of the
slant face type. The marker must conform to the specific rules of the section that it is to be placed
in. These measurements do not apply to government issue markers. In the Veterans' Memorial
Plots, only United States government upright markers are permitted and they are required to be
installed.
18

SECTION 29. Flush Markers. In sections designated as flush marker sections, all markers
shall be set so that the top is flush or level with the ground. No memorials other than grave markers
may be set on any section so designated. The exposed surface of all single flush markers shall be of
standard size, 24 inches in length and 14 inches in width. Double flush markers shall be 12 inches in
width and not less than 48 inches in length. Three-grave flush markers shall not be less than 48 inches
in length. Flush markers of granite shall not be less than 4 inches in depth.
SECTION 30. Location of Markers on a Lot. Markers shall be placed at the lot line
abutting the walkway. Not more than one marker shall be placed at any one grave and shall identify
all burials at that grave. A marker may embrace two graves. No marker shall be set unless it is first
approved by the Superintendent of the Cemetery and the grave space is paid for in full.
SECTION 31. Monument and Marker Materials. No material except granite, a good
grade of white marble, or cut stone from recognized monument quarries shall be used for monuments
or upright markers. Bronze may be used on monuments or upright markers if firmly attached to a
granite base. No materials except granite or standard bronze shall be used for flush markers.
Monuments or markers varying materially in color or texture shall not be permitted on any one lot.
SECTION 32. Inscription on Markers. Markers shall be so placed on a grave that the
inscription thereon may be read from the nearest abutting path or walkway. On lots or parts of lots
not abutting a walkway or road, the inscription on markers placed thereon shall read from the nearest
path or road. Inscriptions on all markers at the same side of a lot shall read from the same direction.
All inscriptions and designs on flush markers shall either be sunk or raised at least three-sixteenths
of an inch from the surface. Flush markers with raised letters shall be protected with a raised panel
at least one inch in width.
SECTION 33. Monument and Marker Foundations. All monuments and markers shall be
placed on a foundation of a depth and size and of a material deemed adequate by the Superintendent
of the Cemetery. All foundations shall be constructed by the Superintendent, or his assistants.
SECTION 34. Installation of Monuments and Markers. Those persons engaged in placing
monuments and markers shall provide planking adequate to protect turf and shall remove materials,
equipment and rubbish immediately upon completion of work. The site shall be left in a clean, orderly
condition. Markers and monuments will not be permitted to be delivered to lots until a proper order
for a foundation installation has been placed with the City Clerk.
SECTION 35. Monument Work. Lot owners should not close a deal with any monument
dealer until the Cemetery Superintendent has checked the material, size and design, and accepted the
application as provided on the dealer's form for that purpose and where work is being done with an
out of town dealer the lot owner should personally attend to this important detail. The City will not
be responsible for the loss to a lot owner caused by rejection of any monument or stone work where
regular application for setting has been neglected or overlooked before the order was placed.
19

Unsightly, ill-proportioned monuments and stone work are prohibited. Appendages such as books,
photos or glass work are prohibited unless they are cast in bronze and used as a plate in the die of a
monument or marker.
Monuments will not be allowed on lots not fully paid for.
All material used in construction of mausoleums, vaults, monuments, markers and permanent lot
markers must be of recognized durable granite or standard bronze. Marble may be permitted of
certain durable grades and finishes, but the City will assume no responsibility for damages incase of
the stone being unintentionally chipped or marked in the regular course of lot care.
All other grades of marble, sandstone, slate, artificial stone, field stone, terra cotta, wood, iron or
glass in any form will not be permitted where exposed to the elements.
The City reserves the right to stop any work in progress or contracted when the materials, or
workmanship or design is not satisfactory or which would seem undesirable or not of durable
construction and may cause the work to be removed, rebuilt or remodeled where and when it would
seem advisable, even after permit had been granted.
SECTION 36. Monuments. A monument shall be defined as any memorial structure erected
upon a lot other than a marker, vault or mausoleum. Only one monument will be allowed to a lot.
No monument will be allowed on any single grave section. (reference Section 27)
All monumental work must face the abutting path or roadway.
Vertical joints are not allowed in monument work.
Where a monument consists of a base and die, we strongly advise that the base be left in the rough
or rock face as being less liable to damage or marking.
Consult the Superintendent as to monument design and the proposed location and give due
consideration to surrounding memorials in your choice of a monument.
Memorial seats or permanent urns will not be permitted as monuments.
SECTION 37. Marker. The term "marker" shall mean a stone used to indicate the location
of a particular grave. (reference Section 28)
Only one marker shall be set at any one grave and shall consist of one part or piece only. Markers
on each lot should conform in design, material, size and style of lettering.
SECTION 38.
Personal Mausoleums. A mausoleum must be on road frontage lots.
20

CITY OF ALMA
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
RULES & REGULATIONS
SECTION 36. AMENDMENT
Monuments. A monument shall be defined as any memorial structure erected upon a lot other
than a marker, vault or mausoleum. Only one monument will be allowed to a lot. No
monument will be allowed on any single grave section. (reference Section 27).
All monumental work must face the abutting path or roadway.
Vertical joints are not allowed in monument work.
Where a monument consists of a base and die, we strongly advise that the base be left in the
rough or rock face as being less liable to damage or marking.
Consult the Superintendent as to monument design and the proposed location and give due
consideration to surrounding memorials in your choice of a monument.
Memorial seats or benches may be placed in lieu of a Amonument@. Such seats or benches
must conform with all specified materials, maximum sizes and location established for
monuments contained herein. Seats or benches are not permitted in lieu of a Amarker@.
Marble or Bronze benches or seats are not recommended. All benches or seats must be
pre-approved by the Cemetery Superintendent prior to placement. All benches or seats
must be fastened and placed on a foundation procured from the City.
Permanent urns will not be permitted as Monuments.
Approved by City Commission: August 12, 2003
15A

Detailed specifications must accompany any request for the building of a vault or mausoleum and
such permit will be subject to the approval of the City. The City may exact a bond insuring the
proper building and completion of the work and no permit will be issued until the owner of the lot
has made a deposit in the "Special Care" fund in an amount equal to approximately one-tenth of the
cost of such building subject to such adjustments as would seem advisable as determined by the type
of building, material and construction. Ample time must be allowed the City to have mausoleum or
vault designs properly checked and certified and the City will reserve the right to refuse a permit
where such a memorial will unduly affect the adjoining lot owners or where such a plan would not
work to the best lot development.
The City will in no case be responsible for the maintenance or repair of any vault or mausoleum
beyond the interest which may accumulate from the Special Care funds deposited for its care and
reserves the right to tear down and remove any such structure when and if it becomes unsightly or
dilapidated and the remains housed in such a structure will be buried on the lot. The cost of such
work will be charged through the fund set up in Special Care and the balance, if any, will be
redistributed to the owner or his legal heirs.
Underground vaults covered above the ground by slabs are not allowed.
SECTION 39. The Following Special Provisions Shall Apply to All Lots in Block "S".
On the regulation sized lot (12 ½ x 16') the monument must be set two feet from the rear lot line and
equidistant from the side lines.
Where two lots are purchased extending from path to path and with a common center line, the
monument may be set on the center line but equidistant from the side lines.
Single upright markers shall consist of one piece and shall consist of a durable type of granite or
marble. It shall be a minimum of 4" thick to a maximum of 6" thick. It shall be 12" wide and 24"
long. It can be of the slant face type. The marker must conform to the specific rules of the section
that it is to be placed in.
21

FLOWERS, PLANTINGS, DECORATIONS
(1) Unsightly Objects, erected or placed upon lots, out of harmony with the general
landscape design as adopted by the City will not be permitted whenever objects of
such nature are placed on lots or graves, the City reserves the right to remove them
without notice.
(2) Block’s “U”, “T”, “R”, “Baby U”, “Military”, and “Masonic Lots”, No Planting of
any kind will be allowed.
(1) Cast type receptacles installed flush with the ground adjacent to, and on the grave side
of the stone is permitted in all sections of the cemetery except as noted in item #2.
These will also be allowed in the FLUSH SECTION OF BLOCK “T”. Cut and
Artificial flowers may be left in these year round.
(2) No type of glass container is allowed in this cemetery, and will be removed when ever
found.
(3) Planting of annual flowers. A 18" flower bed the width of the stone will be allowed
in all Blocks except as stated in Item # 2. Any flower bed not properly taken care of
will be removed.
(4) Urns will be allowed except in “2 grave U”, “T”, and “Masonic Lots”. In Block’s
“S”, and “W”, Urns will only be allowed in the place of a monument (when a
monument is installed the Urn must go). All Urns will be placed on a proper base.
See the Cemetery Supervisor for exact information of Urn placement.
(5) Trees and Shrubs. No tree or shrub will be planted in any part of the Cemetery
without prior approval of the Cemetery Supervisor.
(6) Memorial Day. Flowers of all kinds may be placed in (all) parts of the Cemetery
between the last week of May until the 15 th of June. After that date any unauthorized
flowers/decorations will be removed by the Cemetery personnel.
(7) Winter Decorations/Blankets. These will be allowed in (all) parts of the Cemetery
between the 1 st day of November and the last day of March.
(8) The Cemetery highly recommends the use of cast type receptacles flush with the
ground, small vases on the sides of Monuments, flowers that are clamped to the top
of the Monument and/or almost any arrangement that is not on the ground will be
allowed.
22

(9) Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets: Will be allowed in all sections of the
cemetery except; Military, Masonic R & T, Flush T, and Baby U. The hooks will
have to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging
directly over the monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The
hooks must be of the single type and only one hook per monument. All hooks must
be made of steal and be kept painted, any hooks that become rusted and unsightly will
be removed without notice. All hooks must be made of a minimum of ½" thick steel.
23

AMENDMENT TO RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR OPERATION OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON JULY 28, 1959.
SECTION 39.
THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY TO ALL LOTS IN
SECTION "S" OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
On the regulation sized lot (12 ½' x 16') the monument must be set two feet from the rear lot line and
equidistant from the side lines. Where two lots are purchased extending from path to path and with
a common center line, the monument may be set on the center line but equidistant from the side lines.
All plans and specifications for monuments must be approved by the Cemetery Official before order
is placed.
The use of an urn placed on a concrete base, on a lot in place of a monument is permitted. The urn
must be placed in the monument location only. When a monument is constructed on such lot, the urn
and base must be removed.
The minimum size of a monument permitted in this section shall be as follows: base size, length 42",
width 12", height 6". Upright portion; length 30", width 6", height 18". The maximum size of a
monument permitted in this section shall be as follows: base size, length 60", width 14", height 8".
Upright portion; length 48", width 8", height 32". All monuments shall be placed on a suitable
foundation constructed by the City and placed adjacent and facing the nearest pathway.
All grave markers in this section shall consist of one piece and shall consist of a durable type of
granite or marble. It shall be a minimum of 4" thick to a maximum of 6" thick. It shall be 12" wide
and 24" long. It can be of the slant face type. All markers shall be placed on a suitable foundation
constructed by the City and placed adjacent and facing the nearest pathway.
Cut flowers or artificial bouquets will be permitted in cast type receptacles installed flush with the
ground adjacent to the rear of the markers or in a receptacle attached to a monument. No flowers
may be placed in glass or metal containers above the ground level. All flowers which have become
objectionable both in appearance and from the standpoint of proper lot maintenance will be removed
forthwith. No flowers or bouquets may be placed on the graves of the deceased, since all graves are
to be covered with grass to permit proper lot maintenance. A flower bed may be used but must be
kept within 18 inches of the stone on the grave side. Any flower bed not properly taken care of will
be removed. Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets will be allowed. The hooks will have
to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging directly over the
monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The hooks must be of the single type
and only one hook per monument. All hooks must be made of steal and be kept painted, any hooks
that become rusted and unsightly will be removed without notice. All hooks must be made of a
minimum of ½" thick steel.
Plantings of dwarf evergreens or dwarf shrubs will be permitted at each end of a monument and only
24

in the cases where a monument exists. Permission to plant such evergreens or shrubs may be
obtained from the Cemetery Superintendent who will supervise said plantings. The City reserves the
right to remove trees or shrubs planted in violation of this rule.
Memorial Week, all manner of flowers and decorations will be allowed starting this week until June
15 th . After this date any unauthorized flowers/decorations will be removed by the Cemetery
personnel.
Winter decorations of wreaths or blankets are permitted only between the first day of November and
the last day of March. Any such lot decorations remaining after March 31st will be removed without
further notice. No other lot decorations are permitted in this section.
25

AMENDMENT TO RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR OPERATION OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON JULY 28, 1959, BY ADDITION OF SECTION 49 FOR
SECTION "W" IN RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY TO ALL LOTS
SECTION "W" OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
On the regulation sized lot (12 ½' x 16') the center of the monument must be set two feet from the
rear lot line and equidistant from the sidelines. All plans and specifications for monuments must be
approved by the Cemetery Official before order is placed.
SECTION 49.
The use of an urn placed on a concrete base, on a lot in place of a monument is permitted. The urn
must be placed in the monument location only. When a monument is constructed on such lot, the urn
and base must be removed.
The minimum size of a monument permitted in this section shall be as follows: base size, length 42",
width 12", height 6". Upright portion; length 30", width 6", height 18". The maximum size of a
monument permitted in this section shall be as follows: base size, length 60", width 14", height 8".
Upright portion; length 48", width 8", height 32". All monuments shall be placed on a suitable
foundation constructed by the City and placed adjacent and facing the nearest pathway.
All grave markers in this section shall consist of one piece and shall consist of a durable type of
granite or marble. It shall be a minimum of 4" thick to a maximum of 6" thick. It shall be 12" wide
and 24" long. It can be of the slant face type. All markers shall be placed on a suitable foundation
constructed by the City and placed adjacent and facing the nearest pathway.
Cut flowers or artificial bouquets will be permitted in cast type receptacles installed flush with the
ground adjacent to the rear of the markers, or in a receptacle attached to a monument. No flowers
may be placed in glass or metal containers above the ground level. All flowers which have become
objectionable both in appearance and from the standpoint of proper lot maintenance will be removed
forthwith. No flowers or bouquets may be placed on the graves of the deceased, since all graves are
to be covered with grass to permit proper lot maintenance. A flower bed may be used but must be
kept within 18 inches of the stone on the grave side. Any flower bed not properly taken care of will
be removed. Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets will be allowed. The hooks will have
to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging directly over the
monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The hooks must be of the single type
and only one hook per monument. All hooks must be made of steal and be kept painted, any hooks
that become rusted and unsightly will be removed without notice. All hooks must be made of a
minimum of ½" thick steel.
Plantings of dwarf evergreens or dwarf shrubs will be permitted at each end of a monument and only
in the cases where a monument exists. Permission to plant such evergreens or shrubs may be
obtained from the Cemetery Superintendent who will supervise said plantings. The City reserves the
right to remove trees or shrubs planted in violation of this rule.
26

Memorial Week, all manner of flowers and decorations will be allowed starting this week until June
15 th . After this date any unauthorized flowers/decorations will be removed by the Cemetery
personnel.
Winter decorations of wreaths or blankets are permitted only between the first day of November and
the last day of March. Any such lot decorations remaining after March 31st will be removed without
further notice. No other lot decorations are permitted in this section.
27

BLOCK T (PUBLIC)
292929
UPRIGHT MONUMENT SECTION
UPRIGHT MONUMENT SECTION, BLOCK T (Public) will start with grave 201.
The following special provisions shall apply to all graves in this section of Riverside Cemetery.
1. Single or multiple graves may be bought in any quantity desired in this section.
2. All monuments, markers, plaques etc., must be placed on a pre-cast foundation.
a. Single grave foundations will be 18"x 30" or 18" x 40".
b. Two, three and four grave foundations will be 18"x 52" or 20"x 66".
3. All monuments, markers, plaques will face the nearest walkway. Veterans plaques and
markers will be placed adjacent to the monument.
4. Several monument variations will be allowed in this section. None will be larger than those
allowed in BLOCK U.
(a.) Maximum for 2, 3 and 4 graves
............. . . . . . . . 48"W x 32"H x 8"D with a base 60"W x 8"H x 14"D
(b.) Minimum for 3 and 4 graves
........... . . . . . . . . . .36"W x 20"H x 6"D with a base 42"W x 6"H x 12"D
(c.) Minimum for 2 graves ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36"W x 4"H x 12"D
(d.) Maximum for 1 grave
..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28"W x 24"H x 8"D with a base 36"W x 8"H x 14"D
(e.) Minimum for 1 grave ..............................24"W x 4"H x 12"D
29

All monuments will be centered on foundations and all foundations will be as below. All veterans
markers will be flush with the ground adjacent to the monument.
Graves are 4' x 12'.
5. Flowers and decorations: (No glass containers will be allowed).
a. All flowers, artificial or cut, will be permitted year-round as long as they are in a vase
type receptacle that is kept totally on the foundation, or monument.
b. Flowers and decorations that are placed off the foundation will be permitted from the
last week in May until June 15. Anything remaining after that time will be removed
by Cemetery personnel.
c. Winter decorations of wreaths or blankets are permitted between November 1 and
March 31. Any decorations remaining after March 31 will be removed without
further notice.
d. All grave spaces will be grassed over. No digging or planting of any type will be
allowed.
e. An urn may be placed on a grave(s) in place of a monument. The urn must be in the
monument location only. When a monument is placed, the urn must be removed.
f. Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets will be allowed. The hooks will have
to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging directly
over the monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The hooks
must be of the single type and only one hook per monument. All hooks must be made
of steal and be kept painted, any hooks that become rusted and unsightly will be
removed without notice. All hooks must be made of a minimum of ½" thick steel.
Revised 8/2/1993
7/12/1993
Revised 8/2/1993
Revised 3/28/2000
30

SECTION 48. THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY TO SINGLE GRAVES IN
SECTION "T"
OF RIVERSIDE CEMETERY. (FLUSH MARKER)
GRAVES 1 THRU 200
Single grave markers or a double grave marker is permissible when placed adjacent and facing the
nearest path way. No marker extending more than two (2) grave lengths will be permitted. All plans
and specifications for markers must be approved by the Cemetery Official before order is placed.
Cut flowers or artificial bouquets will be permitted in cast type receptacles installed flush with the
ground adjacent to the rear of the markers, on grave side. No flowers may be placed in glass or metal
containers above the ground level. All flowers which have become objectionable both in appearance
and from the standpoint of proper lot maintenance will be removed forthwith. No flowers or
bouquets may be placed on the graves of the deceased, since all graves are to be covered with grass
to permit proper lot maintenance.
Planting of flowers and shrubs are not allowed. Urns are not allowed except during the Memorial
week period.
Memorial Week, all manner of flowers and decorations will be allowed starting this week until June
15 th . After this date any unauthorized flowers/decorations will be removed by the Cemetery
personnel.
Winter decorations of wreaths or blankets are permitted only between the first day of November and
the last day of March. Any such lot decorations remaining after March 31st will be removed without
further notice. No other grave decorations are permitted in this section, except as stated above.
GRAVE MARKERS
Single flush markers Size 14" x 24"x 4" with a pencil edge and made of granite will be
permitted on a foundation of compacted sand base.
Double flush markers Size 12" x 48" x 4" with a pencil edge and made of granite will be
permitted on a foundation of compacted sand base.
Placement of Markers is as shown below:
31

RULES AND REGULATIONS
BLOCK U
2 AND 4 GRAVE SECTION
1. All above ground monuments with maximum allowable die size and minimum allowable die
size. Maximum base size will not exceed 60" and minimum base size will not exceed 42".
2. TWO GRAVE LOTS: Allow urn in place of monument, but not both.
FOUR GRAVE LOTS: 1 or 2 urns will be allowed in addition to the monument.
These urns will each sit on a 20"x20" foundation, and be on the same line as the monument.
3. 12"x24"x4" markers, flush with ground, made of granite, placed next to monument.
4. Cut flowers and artificial flowers allowed in cast type receptacle mounted on the stone.
5. Allow bronze Veterans plaques placed on a proper foundation.
6. Allow cut or artificial flowers in pots, urns and vases to be placed on or around the graves
from the last week in May thru June 15th. After that date, they will be removed by Cemetery
personnel. Winter decorations of wreaths or blankets are permitted between November 1 and
March 31st. Any decorations remaining after March 31st will be removed without further
notice. Shepherd Hooks or Arches for hanging baskets will be allowed. The hooks will have
to be directly adjacent to either end of the foundation, with the basket hanging directly over
the monument, no hooks will be allowed to be placed by markers. The hooks must be of the
single type and only one hook per monument. All hooks must be made of steal and be kept
painted, any hooks that become rusted and unsightly will be removed without notice. All
hooks must be made of a minimum of ½" thick steel.
7. All monuments and urns are required to be placed on a concrete foundation.
8. All grave spaces will be grassed over and no digging or planting will be allowed.
32

Fig. 1 Four grave maximum allowable size. Fig. 2 Two grave maximum allowable
size.
Fig. 3 Two and four grave minimum allowable size Fig. 4 Flush marker
33

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
BABY U
Each grave in this section is 3' x 4' 8", which includes a 36" x 15" pre-poured foundation. The price
is included in the grave price.
The following rules shall apply to this Section.
1. All grave markers shall be made of granite. The size shall be 20" x 10" x 4". No home made
markers will be allowed.
2. Flowers in vases and urns will be allowed year-round on the foundation area only. Nothing
shall encroach on the area of an adjacent grave. (No glass allowed).
3. No digging or planting will be allowed in this section, except where deemed necessary by the
Cemetery Superintendent.
4. Extra flowers in pots and urns may be placed on the grave itself between last week of May
and June 15, then they must be removed. (No glass allowed.)
5. Winter decorations of wreaths, grave blankets, are permitted between November 1 and March
31, then they must be removed.
6. All flowers and decorations not on the foundations, that remain after the scheduled removal
dates, will be removed by our staff.
34

MILITARY MEMORIAL SECTION RULES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL AT
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.
As established by the Fields-Myers-Smith-Dittenber Post No. 256 of the American Legion and
the Leslie C. McLean Post No. 1454 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To be eligible for burial in Riverside Cemetery, any person must qualify in accordance with
the following:
1) He or she must have an honorable discharge from one of the armed services of the
United States, and be eligible for a government marker, and
2) He or she must have been a resident of the City of Alma at the time of his or her
death, or
3) He or she must have been a resident of the City of Alma within the period of two
years prior to December 7, 1941, or
4) His or her next of kin must have been a resident of the City of Alma for a period of
five years prior to his or her death (assuming his or her death antedates January 1,
1948), or
5) He or she may have moved away from Alma less than a year prior to his or her death.
However, should he or she have ben a resident of Alma for five years prior to his or
her moving away, he or she is still eligible, or
6) He or she need not be nor have been a resident of Alma providing he or she meets
requirement No. 1, and providing further that he or she or his or her kin pay the
standard charges in effect at the time of his or her death for lots and burial in
Riverside Cemetery.
7) Relatives of any deceased veterans desiring the privilege of burying said deceased in
this Military section shall secure from at least one of the two (2) Organizations above
named a written statement that said deceased is eligible for burial in Riverside
Cemetery. Upon receipt of said written statement, the City Clerk will designate a
burial location to said deceased without any charge therefore.
GRAVE MARKERS AND DECORATIONS
Uniform grave markers of the type issued by the Government shall be used in this Military
Section. Only one wreath or bouquet of flowers or potted plant shall be placed at the grave.
35

NAME:_____________________________
TO:
City Clerk
P.O. Box 278
Alma, MI 48801
We, the undersigned do hereby state that all of the Rules of Eligibility for burial in Military Memorial Division
of Riverside Cemetery have been met, that the deceased,_______________________ is eligible for burial on
said tract.
It is further understood and agreed that if said deceased meets with the residential requirements of the agreement,
there is to be no charge for the grave space, and opening and closing of the grave. If the said deceased does not
meet the residential requirements as per the Military Cemetery Agreement dated 7-26-83 a charge for the grave
space and a charge for opening and closing the grave will be made at current rates established by the City
Commission. This cost is to be paid to the City Clerk before permission is granted for the burial.
Deceased meets with the residential requirements. Yes_______
No _______
Witnesses:
Signed:
____________________________
_______________________________
American Legion
____________________________
_______________________________
V.F.W.
Grave No. _________assigned.
$50.00 Foundation Charge paid__________________________, _____.
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3.12 PERSONAL MAUSOLEUMS
MUNICIPAL POLICY
CHAPTER 3 - CEMETERY
AMENDMENT
The following requirements shall be fulfilled for the placement of a Personal Mausoleum at Riverside
Cemetery:
1) A personal mausoleum may only be placed in the designated area established at the cemetery.
The area designated for a Personal Mausoleum shall be adjacent to Sections A & C, east of the
cemetery drive and adjacent to the cemetery perimeter fence.
2) Lot sizes shall be 30ft x 30ft. The mausoleum shall be centered within the lot.
3) Mausoleum size maximum shall be 8 crypts with a approximate size of 15ft square.
4) Lot price: $5,500.
5) In addition to the lot sale, owner shall contribute 10% of the completed construction cost of
the mausoleum to the cemetery perpetual care fund. Maintenance on structure is the
responsibility of lot owner. Perpetual care funds are utilized to maintain the grounds adjacent
to the mausoleum as well as long term maintenance of the structure in the event the owner fails
to fulfill the maintenance needs.
6) Mausoleum shall face the cemetery road, however family name may be placed on both ends.
7) The specifications of a mausoleum shall be subject to the approval of the City of Alma with the
following minimum requirements:
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
Owner shall obtain all applicable building permits
Building shall be manufactured and constructed by an established
mausoleum company, subject to the approval of the City of Alma.
Manufactures shall provide a 30 year minimum warranty certification.
All fasteners shall be of stainless steel.
All exterior surfaces shall be constructed of 6" minimum thickness durable granite or
marble. Polished surface is recommended.
Floor shall be of one solid piece design.
The foundation must conform with local building code requirements and
constructed by an established masonry contractor, subject to the approval of the City of
Alma.
Approved 2/23/99
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MUNICIPAL POLICY
CHAPTER 3-CEMETERY
AMENDMENT
3.13 COLUMBARIUM
1) FEES: Resident Non-Resident
Single Space: $ 300.00 $ 600.00
Internment charge:
Standard weekday (7:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m. **): $ 150.00 $ 300.00
Overtime on or after 3:00 p.m. ** & Saturdays: $ 200.00 $ 400.00
Sundays & Holidays: $ 250.00 $ 500.00
Endowment Charge:
$ 50.00 per niche
Winter surcharge: $ 225.00
2) RULES:
Until wilted, one small bouquet of fresh flowers may be placed at the base
of the columbarium at the time of internment.
Lettering of niche face will be of engraved type and performed by a
monument company.
All internments performed by cemetery personnel.
Unless otherwise provided for, flowers, glass containers or decorations are
not permitted on or around the columbarium except within furnished
adjacent urns.
Limit of one cremains per niche.
Niche owners may install one durable vase, with a maximum height of 6
inches, on the niche face for cut flowers. Installation shall be by a
Monument Company.
Approved 7/13/1999
Amended 5/26/2009
Amended 6/12/2012
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AFFIDAVIT FOR DISINTERMENT AND REINTERMENT
The applicant being duly sworn, deposes and says that:
1) On the day of , ,
was buried in Cemetery located in the county of , grave
number , lot number ,section , other location, such as mausoleum (specify)
. Date of death Place of death
Age .
Cause of death .
2) A permit for the disinterment and reinterment of the deceased is hereby requested on behalf of :
Name of petitioner
Relationship to decedent
Address
Said remains is to be reinterred in:
Cemetery, located in
The reason for seeking removal of said remains is
3) The owner(s) of the lot or burial right where the remains are currently interred is(are):
Name(s) of owner(s)
.
The owner(s) hereby consent to the disinterment of the decedent:
Signature(s) of owner(s)
4) Consent of the next surviving kin as required by Rule 325.8052 is hereby granted (see reverse side).
Signature Date Relationship
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5) The applicant further swears that to the best of his/her knowledge he/she obtained all approvals in items 3
and 4 above as required by law and rule, and that he/she takes this oath with the full understanding that
he/she assumes responsibility for the proper disinterment and reinterment of the decedent.
Name of Funeral Director
Address
License No.
Signature
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of ,
Signature, Notary Public
My Commission expires:
County, Michigan
NOTE: If not able to obtain the required consent to disinter, a person may petition the circuit court of the county where the cemetery is
located for a disinterment order.
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R 325.8051 Discovery of remains; notification of police required; exception.
Rule 1. A person who inadvertently discovers a burial or parts of a human skeleton shall immediately notify the
police authority of the jurisdiction where the remains are found. If preliminary inspection by the police authority indicates
that the remains are those of a prehistoric or historic native American, the state archaeologist of the Michigan history division,
department of state, shall be immediately notified of the finding. This rule does not apply to archaeological excavations
conducted by representatives of established scientific institutions or societies.
R 325.8052 Disinterment permit; application; fee.
Rule 2. (1) A request for a disinterment permit shall be made to the local health officer in whose district the cemetery
is located, and the request shall be made on an affidavit which is signed by a licensed funeral director and by a person or
persons as follows:
1) The surviving spouse.
2) If no surviving spouse, then by all surviving children.
3) If no surviving children, then by the surviving parents.
4) If no surviving parents, then by all surviving brothers and sisters.
(2) The request shall be accompanied by a fee established by the local health department pursuant to section
2444 of Act No. 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended, being §333.2444 of the Michigan Complied Laws.
R 325.8053 Affidavit content.
Rule 3. An affidavit shall contain all of the following information:
(a) The name and address of the licensed funeral director to whom the permit is to be issued.
(b) The name and address of the person petitioning for the permit.
(c) The name of the lot or the burial right owner.
(d) The name of the deceased.
(e) The present location of the grave, including the lot number, the section number, or other location, such as
a location in a mausoleum.
(f) Reinterment location.
(g) Relationship of petitioner to deceased.
(h) Reason for disinterment.
(i) Approval of all persons who may have a claim for the deceased as specified in R 325.8052.
(j) Written consent of the lot or burial space owner or owners, if other than petitioner.
R 325.8054
Local health officer; duties.
Rule 4. The local health officer or his or her designated representative shall do all of the following:
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Review the affidavit for disinterment - reinterment.
Issue the disinterment - reinterment permit if the consent required by R 325.8052(1) has been obtained, or
deny the disinterment - reinterment permit if the consent required by R 325.8052(1) has not been obtained.
Provide instructions or guidance to the funeral director on the handling of the disintered body which is
necessary to protect the health of the public and those handling the disintered body.
Retain the affidavit for a period of not less than 5 years.
R 325.8055 Disinterment of cremated remains; opening casket; permit not required.
Rule 5. (1) A permit is not required to disinter cremated remains. A request to disinter cremated remains may be
made to the cemetery by the next surviving kin, as designated in R 325.8052, on an affidavit described in R 3258053. The
affidavit shall be maintained as part of the permanent records of the cemetery from which the cremated remains are removed.
(2) A permit is not required to open a casket to remove an article or to place an article in a casket.
R 325.8056 Cemetery retention of permit.
Rule 6. A duplicate copy of the permit shall be maintained as part of the permanent records of the cemetery from
which the deceased was removed.
R 325.8056 Transportation of disintered body.
Rule 7. A disintered body shall not be accepted for transportation by common or contract carrier unless it has been
enclosed in a container which insures against leakage, offensive odors, and other menaces to the public health and safety. A
disintered body may be transported by private vehicle, under the supervision of a licensed funeral director, if enclosed in any
suitable container which insures against leakage, offensive odors, and other menaces to the public health and safety. The
licensed funeral director in charge of disinterment shall be responsible for the proper conduct of the disinterment and removal.
42