Are there any cemetery fees or regulations I should be aware of?

Every cemetery has specific regulations governing monument size, materials, installation methods, and associated fees. At Gifford Monument Works, we help families navigate these requirements across Oklahoma and Texas cemeteries, ensuring your monument meets all regulations while honoring your loved one appropriately.

Common Cemetery Regulations

Monument Size Restrictions:

• Minimum and maximum height requirements
• Width and depth limitations based on plot size
• Setback requirements from plot boundaries
• Clearance requirements from adjacent monuments
• Special rules for companion or family plots

Material Requirements:

• Approved granite types and colors
• Thickness specifications (usually 4"-8" minimum)
• Foundation material requirements
• Bronze or metal component restrictions
• Vase and planter attachment rules

Design Restrictions:

• Prohibited imagery or language
• Religious symbol limitations (rare, but some cemeteries have rules)
• Photo portrait size restrictions
• Upright vs. flat marker designations by cemetery section
• Color restrictions (some cemeteries only allow darker granites)

Cemetery Fees You May Encounter

Monument Setting Fees: Most cemeteries charge a one-time "setting fee" or "placement fee" covering:

• Permission to install monument
• Cemetery inspection and approval
• Administrative processing
• Plot location verification
• Typical range: $50-$500 depending on cemetery and monument size

Opening and Closing Fees (for burial services):

• Separate from monument fees
• Covers grave excavation and closing
• Typically $500-$2,000
• Paid directly to cemetery at time of service

Perpetual Care Fees:

• Sometimes built into plot purchase price
• May be separate annual or one-time fee
• Covers cemetery maintenance and groundskeeping
• Typical range: $100-$1,000 one-time or $50-$200 annually

Foundation Fees: Some cemeteries require:

• Cemetery-installed foundations only
• Specific foundation dimensions and materials
• Additional fees: $200-$800 depending on monument type
• Mandatory use of cemetery-approved contractors

Late Placement Fees:

• Some cemeteries charge if monument not installed within 6-12 months
• Typical fee: $100-$300
• Varies widely by cemetery policy

Cemetery-Specific Regulations

Private Cemeteries:

• More flexible regulations generally
• May allow custom designs more freely
• Fees tend to be higher
• Often have strict aesthetic standards

Municipal/Public Cemeteries:

• Standardized regulations
• Lower fees typically
• More uniform monument appearance required
• May have seasonal installation restrictions

Religious Cemeteries:

• Specific religious symbol requirements or restrictions
• May require approval from religious authorities
• Culturally specific design expectations
• Sometimes lower costs for congregation members

Veterans Cemeteries:

• Strict uniformity requirements
• Limited design options
• Government-provided markers (free)
• Additional private monuments may be restricted

Memorial Parks:

• Often only flat markers allowed
• Strict size and material specifications
• Uniform appearance requirements
• May include flower vase restrictions

How Gifford Monument Works Helps

We Handle Regulation Verification:

• Contact cemetery before design begins
• Verify all size, material, and design requirements
• Ensure your chosen monument complies
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals

We Coordinate Fees:

• Inform you of all cemetery fees upfront
• Help understand what's included vs. additional
• Coordinate payment timing with cemetery
• Ensure no surprise costs

We Manage Installation Compliance:

• Schedule installations during allowed timeframes
• Use cemetery-approved installation methods
• Coordinate with cemetery groundskeepers
• Obtain final approval and sign-off

Questions to Ask Your Cemetery

Before ordering a monument, contact your cemetery to ask:

1. What are the exact size restrictions for monuments in this section?
2. What is the setting fee or placement fee?
3. Are there restrictions on granite colors or materials?
4. Can I use a monument company of my choice, or must I use cemetery-approved vendors?
5. What are the foundation requirements?
6. When is installation allowed (seasons, days, times)?
7. Are there any design restrictions (religious symbols, photos, etc.)?
8. What is the timeline for monument placement after burial?

Regional Variations

Oklahoma Cemeteries:

• Generally more flexible regulations
• Rural cemeteries often have minimal restrictions
• Installation may be limited during winter months
• Setting fees typically $50-$200

Texas Cemeteries:

• Wide variation between urban and rural
• Dallas-Fort Worth area cemeteries tend to have stricter rules
• Year-round installation usually allowed
• Setting fees typically $100-$300

Cemetery Regulations by Monument Type

Flat Markers:

• Usually most flexible regulations
• Often allowed in all cemetery sections
• Minimal or no setting fees in many cemeteries
• Simpler installation compliance

Upright Monuments:

• May be restricted to certain cemetery sections
• Higher setting fees ($200-$500)
• Stricter foundation requirements
• More detailed cemetery approval process

What Happens if Regulations Change?

Occasionally cemeteries update their regulations. If you've already purchased and installed a monument:

• Existing monuments are typically "grandfathered in"
• Changes only affect new monument installations
• Cemetery must provide notice before regulation changes

Dealing with Regulation Disputes

If you encounter issues with cemetery regulations:

• We can advocate on your behalf
• Provide documentation of compliance
• Suggest alternative designs that meet requirements
• Connect with cemetery management for resolution

Start with Cemetery Information

When you schedule your monument consultation with Gifford Monument Works, please bring:

• Cemetery name and location
• Plot number or location description
• Any regulation documents from cemetery
• Contact information for cemetery office

We'll verify all requirements and design a monument that beautifully honors your loved one while fully complying with cemetery regulations. Our 88 years of experience means we're familiar with hundreds of Oklahoma and Texas cemeteries and can navigate even complex regulation scenarios.