St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Monument sizes at a glance
| Lot or section | Memorial | Width | Thickness | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single grave | Upright monument (base) | 24 to 36 in | at least 14 in | at least 8 in | Minimum base length 2 feet (24 in) and minimum depth 1 foot 2 inches (14 in); base must be at least 8 in high; bottom 4 in of the base must be rock-pitched. |
| Double Grave | Upright monument (base) | 24 to 54 in | at least 14 in | at least 8 in | Minimum base length 2 feet (24 in) and minimum depth 1 foot 2 inches (14 in) apply to all bases. |
| All upright monument lots | Upright monument (overall) | - | - | up to 42 in | There is no minimum height for a monument. |
| All upright monument lots | Upright monument (headstone / die) | - | at least 8 in | - | Die-stones must sit on a granite base at least 8 in high. |
| Single grave | Flat marker | at least 18 in | at least 9 in | - | Minimum stated in the Bronze Markers section (18 x 9 inches). |
| Infant Grave | Flat marker | up to 18 in | up to 12 in | - | Same maximum for bronze (7.2) and granite (7.3) flat markers. Granite markers must be 4 in thick; bronze markers sit on a concrete or granite base at least 4 in thick. |
| Child Grave | Flat marker | up to 24 in | up to 12 in | - | Same maximum for bronze and granite flat markers. |
| Cremation Grave | Flat marker | up to 24 in | up to 12 in | - | Same maximum for bronze and granite flat markers. |
| Adult Grave | Flat marker | up to 24 in | - | - | Same maximum for bronze and granite flat markers. Head-to-foot length up to 18 in. |
| Two Graves - side by side | Flat marker | up to 48 in | - | - | Same maximum for bronze and granite flat markers. Head-to-foot length up to 18 in. |
Width is side to side, thickness is front to back, height is above the ground.
Ask our assistant about your plot
Monument rules in plain English
- No marker or monument may be placed without the cemetery's written permission; the rights holder must sign a written request at the cemetery office, and design, emblems, material and inscriptions are all subject to approval.
- Every marker must include a cross in its design.
- Upright monuments go only in designated areas, never over a grave that already has an interment, and only one upright monument is allowed per lot.
- Upright monument bases: maximum width 36 inches on a single grave and 54 inches on a double grave; every base must be at least 24 inches long, 14 inches deep (front to back) and 8 inches high, with the bottom 4 inches rock-pitched for grass cutting.
- Overall height of monument plus base must not exceed 42 inches; there is no minimum height.
- The die (tablet) must be at least 8 inches thick and sit on a granite base; dies under 2 square feet at the base must be dowelled.
- All bases and dies must be granite (the bylaw also mentions marble or bronze for monuments, but marble may only be used on surfaces not exposed to the weather).
- Monuments need a concrete foundation, at least 4 feet deep and the exact size of the base, paid for by the rights holder (lots with pre-poured foundations excepted).
- The section and lot number must be inscribed on every monument.
- Flat markers (bronze or granite) are set flush with the ground, one per single grave. Maximum sizes: infant grave 18 x 12 in, child grave 24 x 12 in, cremation grave 24 x 12 in, adult grave 24 x 18 in, two graves side by side 48 x 18 in. Minimum on a single grave is 18 x 9 in.
- Granite flat markers must be 4 inches thick; bronze markers must be mounted on a concrete or granite base at least 4 inches thick with the same dimensions as the marker.
- Book or pillow markers are only allowed on a proper foundation.
- Pictures are not allowed on flat markers, and wall plaques are not allowed for in-ground burials.
- Vases, floral containers and vigil lamps must be properly attached to the die or base; glass or breakable containers are not permitted.
- Shared monument lots: a two-grave lot with one monument between the two lots, holding up to four interments.
- Cornerstones: two optional cornerstones at the foot end on pre-poured foundations; four required on other regular graves; one extra on cremation graves.
- Temporary markers such as wooden crosses are removed 60 days after interment.
- Columbarium niche fronts are inscribed by the cemetery or its contractor only; no vases, lights or pictures on niche faces.
- Monuments that don't meet the rules but add to the cemetery's beauty may be considered in exceptional cases.
- Always confirm with the cemetery office before ordering.
Bylaws can change and some are read automatically. Always confirm sizes with the cemetery office before ordering. Monaco Monuments checks your cemetery's rules for you as part of every order.
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