Cemeteries - General Information
Cemeteries may be either privately owned or publicly owned. Privately owned cemeteries may be operated as a sole proprietor, partnership, limited liability corporation or corporation. Publicly owned cemeteries may be operated by a municipality, township, county, state or Federal governments. Privately owned cemeteries are often able to provide the consumer with a wider range of services and products than publicly funded cemeteries.
All cemeteries will offer grave spaces available for purchase, but may also offer mausoleum, niche space, columbariums and scattering gardens. There are several different ways for graves to be marked. Some cemeteries allow only ground-level memorials, while others may allow both ground level memorials and upright monuments. Each cemetery will have their own regulations concerning the number, size and type of memorials allowed. Also, each cemetery will have their own set of regulations governing the placement, number, size and removal of grave decorations.
In Ohio, there is no law requiring the use of an outer burial container, but the vast majority of cemeteries will require some form of outer burial container as a receptacle for the casket. From the cemetery's standpoint, an outer container is useful and desirable for maintaining the integrity of the grave. Some cemeteries will prohibit the use of certain types of outer burial containers. Your funeral director can assist you in determining what restrictions, if any, may apply at the cemetery of your choice. Quality outer burial containers are available from some cemeteries as well as from a local funeral home.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Cemetery Property
- How is the cemetery being maintained?
- Is the grass cut on a regular basis?
- Is the grass trimmed from around the markers?
- Are flower beds, shrubs and trees healthy and well maintained?
- are there sunken graves?
- Are there a large number of unseeded / unsodded graves?
- Is the landscape design attractive?
- Does the cemetery have a perpetual care trust fund?
- What regulations does the cemetery have concerning markers and decorations? Are they too rigid?
- Is there an on-site office open during regular hours and staffed with courteous, knowledgeable people?
- What products, services and disposition options does the cemetery offer? Is monthly financing available, if needed?
- Does the cemetery participate in a National Exchange Program?
- Are visitors, including children, made to feel welcome and safe? Are roads wide enough to provide ample parking and two-way traffic?
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