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Cleveland council adopts 4-foot maximum for upright headstones in town cemeteries
Summary
Councilors said they could not find a clear town policy on monument height but, after reviewing sample language and a survey of other jurisdictions, voted to set a 4-foot maximum height for upright headstones and markers.
Council members voted to set a maximum height of 4 feet for upright headstones and markers in Cleveland cemeteries after staff and councilors said they had been unable to locate a clear town policy.
Nancy (town staff) and other council members discussed language from county and neighboring jurisdictions and presentation material showing that many places cap upright markers at 48 inches because taller monuments can interfere with irrigation and maintenance. “The height not to exceed 48 inches, it’ll tell you that. I think it’s 4 feet,” a council member said while reviewing sample ordinances.
A council member moved to adopt a 4-foot maximum; the motion was seconded, and the council voted in favor. Staff said the town’s existing written material contains rules about marker bases, concrete borders and spacing, and that the added 4-foot height limit would be incorporated into the town’s cemetery policy.
Councilors noted practical reasons for a height limit, including sprinkler coverage and maintenance access. Staff will update the cemetery policy language to reflect the 4-foot maximum and publish the updated policy where town cemetery rules are posted.
Ending: The council directed staff to finalize the written policy with the 4-foot height maximum and to report any necessary administrative changes at a future meeting.
