Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cemetery Regulations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances Oakwood Cemetery rules on first reading
Summary
Pleasant Hill advanced Ordinance No. 966 on first reading to update Chapter 115 (Cemetery) with clearer decoration standards, a 14-day grace period for funeral items, updated flag allowances, defined placement zones, and three annual cleanup windows; the Parks Commission supported the changes.
The Pleasant Hill City Council on Jan. 13 approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 966, updating Chapter 115 of the City Code to clarify rules for Oakwood Cemetery.
Parks and Recreation Manager Ryan Merritt described the proposed amendments as aimed at "improving clarity, consistency, and safety while preserving respectful memorial practices at Oakwood Cemetery." Key elements Merritt outlined included clearer standards for on‑memorial decorations and floral arrangements; a 14‑day grace period following burials for funeral and sympathy items; updated flag allowances consistent with federal guidance; refined placement zones and definitions; rules on lighting and prohibited items; and three standardized annual cleanup windows to avoid major holidays.
Merritt said the Parks and Recreation Commission/Cemetery Committee reviewed the updates at its Dec. 11 meeting and that the proposed changes were also shared with residents at the Commission’s Nov. 13 meeting. The Commission formally supported the updates and recommended Council review. Councilmembers Len Murray and Konnor Hodges thanked Merritt for the outreach and process that led to the revisions. The motion for first reading passed unanimously, 5-0.
The ordinance is at the first-reading stage; details such as an effective date or subsequent hearing dates were not specified at the meeting. Any future readings or public input opportunities would be announced as part of the council’s legislative process.
