Note: The construction or removal of any fence in the cemeteries requires review and approval by the cemetery commission. Anyone wishing to install or repair fencing in the cemeteries shall complete a structural changes application and must supply an estimate of the cost of material and labor as well as funding sources to help insure the satisfactory completion of the project.
Original fences should be retained and repaired whenever possible. When reconstruction must occur, the original fence should be matched in color, materials, size, scale, texture, and composition. New fences should emulate historic styles and designs still found in the cemeteries. All fencing material must be seen through (no slats or inserts shall be allowed) to allow for adequate viewing of the cemeteries.
A. Colors. All fencing colors must be approved by the cemetery commission.
B. Cemetery Complex Perimeter Fencing. Requirements for perimeter fencing:
1. Approved fencing material.
2. Height not to exceed four feet.
3. Spacing between posts shall not exceed eight feet.
4. Chain link fencing shall have torsion wire and top rails for support and be coated.
C. Individual Cemetery Fencing. Individual cemeteries may be fenced with several different styles of fencing such as wood/picket and double looped crimped wire (also call woven wire). All fencing surrounding individual cemeteries must contain at least one entrance gate for vehicles and one entrance gate for pedestrians. If the cemetery being fenced shares a border with another cemetery, then a pedestrian gate must be installed to allow ease of foot traffic between the cemeteries.
1. Wood/Picket Fencing Requirements.
a. Material must be cedar no knot #1 (clear cedar).
b. Fence height – between three feet to four feet.
c. Pickets – seven-eighths-inch minimum by three inches to four inches wide.
d. Spacing between pickets – one and one-half inches to two inches.
e. Spear point or regular cut.
f. Only stainless steel or galvanized nails may be used in the construction of the fence to prevent tannic acid bleeding onto the wood.
g. Fence posts need to be a minimum of six inches by six inches and spaced no more than eight feet apart.
h. Cross bars shall be two-inch by six-inch cedar boards.
j. Minimum of 30 inches deep.
k. Six inches to eight inches of pea gravel on the bottom and then topped with 24 inches of cement.
l. Posts shall sit on top of the pea gravel.
2. Double Looped Crimped Wire (Woven Wire).
a. Posts – cedar six inches by six inches or two-inch iron pipe (iron posts must be treated to prevent rusting).
b. Fence height – between three feet to four feet.
c. Iron pipe must be predrilled with a minimum of one-quarter-inch holes, two holes at the top and two holes at the bottom (above ground) for attaching fencing.
d. Posts are to be no more than eight feet apart.
e. Cross bars must be two inches by six inches minimum.
f. Wire is to be attached to the cross bars with a heavy-duty staple.
g. Woven wire may be painted with Hammerite to enhance longevity.
h. Post Holes.
i. Minimum of 30 inches deep.
ii. Six inches to eight inches of pea gravel on the bottom and then topped with 24 inches of cement.
iii. Posts/iron pipe shall sit on top of the pea gravel.
3. Chain Link.
a. Height requirements and installation methods will be required to match the neighboring and/or adjacent chain link fencing.
b. Where neighboring or adjacent links are not present, chain link fencing shall meet the following criteria for consideration by the commission:
i. Shall have top rails for support.
iii. Fence height – between three feet to four feet.
iv. Fence curbing below chain link (eight inches wide).
c. Chain link fencing within individual cemeteries shall be approved in writing by the cemetery commission prior to permitting and installation.
D. Grave Plot Fencing. Grave fencing is only allowed in the Polish and Old City Cemeteries. All new or repaired grave fences must be compatible with existing fences.
(Ord. 1118 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1155, 2019; Ord. 1157 § 1, 2019; Ord. 1217 § 1, 2025)