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1. Why is my loved ones grave sinking?

It can take about six months or more before a grave will settle. The ground is prone to wash out during heavy rains. We understand it can be concerning to see washed out spaces around a loved ones grave. The excavation of a grave, or any other reasonable size hole, results in the loosening of the excavated material. When soil is replaced into a grave, it will inevitably contain more air pockets than the compacted soil before excavation. Over time, a backfilled grave will 'sink' as the air pockets escape and the soil settles; this is absolutely natural and practically unavoidable, especially in wet weather. 

Please call our office and notify us so we can have our cemetery crew go and fill in any spaces to assist in the settling process.

Ph. 281-592-2667

2. I want to put a headstone at my loved ones grave. What is the process?

All headstone placements must be permitted through the City Secretary's office and requires a $20.00 marker permit fee.  Standard sizes for single graves are usually 24 by 12, 28 by 16, or 18 by 24 inches. Standard sizes for companion graves are usually 36 by 18 inches or 44 by 14 inches. If you wish to have a flower vase at the gravesite it must be attached to the headstone. NO BENCHES ALLOWED (unless part of the headstone). 

You must notify the City Secretary's office Three (3) days prior to a headstone placement so that the cemetery crew can properly mark the space for the placement.  

Space sizes:

Individual Full Space: 5ft x 10ft or 4ft x 10ft (you can call City Hall if you have questions on which space size your loved one is in)

Urn Space: 2 1/2 ft x 3 1/4 ft

Baby space: 5 ft x 3 1/4 ft

3. Does the City buy back spaces that have been purchased?

No. The city does not buy back spaces. The space/lot owner is responsible for selling the space if they so desire. The space/lot owner is required to notify the City Secretary’s office so we can draw up a transfer deed and record the new owners information. The cost of the transfer deed is $5.00. 

4. Can I spread family cremains on top of other family grave spaces?

No. It is not permitted to spread cremated remains/ashes on top of any grave space in the City of Cleveland Cemeteries. Only one person, per space, is allowed. 

Cremains - cremated remains of a deceased individual. 

5. My loved ones headstone is sinking. What should I do?

If you find that your loved ones headstone is sinking, shifted or leaning you will need to contact a headstone or monument company to have it fixed. The City is not responsible for leveling, moving, cleaning or shifting headstones. 

6. Can I place a bench at my loved ones grave?

No. Benches are no longer permitted on grave spaces. 

7. Can I plant a tree/bush at my loved ones grave?

No. It shall be unlawful for any person to plant any tree or shrub upon any lot or plat in the City Cemeteries. The City of Cleveland shall have the right to remove any tree or shrub plants or found growing upon any lot or plot in the City Cemeteries. The City shall have the right to remove any object or enclosure that is not in accordance with these rules and regulations.