Town of Palmer, MA Chapter 31 Cemeteries

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Palmer 10-13-1898 (Ch. 68 of the 2007 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 31-1 Use of lots restricted.

The lots sold in the different cemeteries of the Town of Palmer shall only be used by the owners for the burial of their dead and the erection of monuments and memorials.

§ 31-2 Planting restrictions.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

Owners of lots shall have the right to plant and cultivate shrubs and flowers upon their lots under the advice and control of the Palmer Department of Public Works (DPW). No tree or shrub shall be cut down, mutilated or removed without the prior consent of the Director of Public Works.

§ 31-3 Powers of Director of Public Works.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

The Director of Public Works shall have the right to change the grade of any lot or lots in order that they may conform to the general surroundings, and also to remove at any time shrubs, trees, monuments or inscriptions that may seem to him/her objectionable or injurious.

§ 31-4 Curbing, coping, fencing or grades.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

All plans of future curbings, copings, fences or grades shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works for his/her approval and acceptance. No curbings, copings, fences or grades shall be removed or changed without the prior consent of the Director of Public Works.

§ 31-5 Minimum requirements for foundations.

Foundations for monuments and headstones shall be of solid masonry. The foundation for monuments shall be at least six feet in depth, and foundations for headstones shall be at least 3 1/2 feet in depth.

§ 31-6 Authority over workers.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

Workers employed in the cemeteries of the Town in the construction of vaults, erection of headstones and monuments or for any other purpose will be subject to the control and direction of the Director of Public Works. Any worker or other person failing to conform to his/her rules and regulations will thereafter be excluded from employment in the cemeteries of the Town.

§ 31-7 Prohibited conduct.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

Walking on the grass, picking flowers, improper language, rapid driving, walking dogs, and leaving horses without care or unhitched will not be permitted in the cemeteries of the Town.

§ 31-8 Enforcement.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

The Director of Public Works or Chief of Police or their designees are directed to enforce the laws in regard to trespassing, pilfering and vandalism of any kind in or from the cemeteries of the Town.

§ 31-9 Proper conduct.

Sextons, workers and all persons visiting the cemeteries of the Town will at all times conduct themselves with decorum.

§ 31-10 Perpetual-care payments.

[Amended 7-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-12]

Upon payment to the Town Treasurer of $200 by the owner or any person interested in a lot in the cemeteries of the Town, the same shall be safely invested and the income paid to the order of the Town of Palmer. The lot designated shall thereafter receive perpetual care and its monuments and memorials, etc., shall at all times be maintained in their proper position.