# Cemetery Rules: What to Confirm Before Ordering a Monument

> Get the current rules for the exact cemetery and plot before approving the stonework.

Source: [Cemetery Rules: What to Confirm Before Ordering a Monument](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/navigating-cemetery-rules-and-regulations-for-monuments/)

Language: en

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Buying Guide

First published 2024-05-09.

Get the current rules for the exact cemetery and plot before approving the stonework.

Updated 2026-10-05 · 4 min read · Boda Stone

![Workshop monument example; cemetery approval must be obtained separately for the actual site](https://www.cnmonuments.com/images/case-studies/us-black-granite-monument-2024/workshop-upright.jpg)

Get the current rules for the exact cemetery and plot before approving the stonework. Check permitted sizes, materials, inscriptions and installation requirements with the cemetery and your local installer. Send those requirements with the drawing so the factory makes the right pieces from the start.

## Items to confirm in writing

| Rule area | Questions for the cemetery |
| --- | --- |
| Dimensions | Maximum and minimum size, thickness, base and projection |
| Material and finish | Permitted stone, color, surface and visible variation |
| Foundation and fixing | Who designs, supplies, installs and inspects them? |
| Inscriptions and symbols | Approval, language, emblem and content restrictions |
| Accessories | Vases, photographs, lights, borders and maintenance rules |
| Permit and installation | Forms, fees, approved installers and seasonal limits |

## Get approval before production

1. Request the current cemetery form and written rules.
2. Prepare a dimensioned drawing and inscription proof.
3. Obtain approval before cutting or engraving.
4. Record who is responsible for foundation and installation.
5. Retain approval with the purchase order and inspection file.

## Check the rules for the actual cemetery

VA specifications apply to the relevant US government program and can illustrate defined marker types. They should not be described as universal rules for private cemeteries or other countries.

## Who should confirm each part of the order?

Importers often lose time when a factory is asked to decide a cemetery rule that only the local cemetery or installer can approve. Assign each decision to the party that has the relevant authority, then attach the written evidence to the order.

| Decision | Primary confirmation | Factory input |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plot, section and permitted design | Cemetery, memorial park or relevant authority | Dimensioned drawing and product options |
| Foundation, anchor and installation | Local installer, cemetery or engineer where required | Base and fixing relationship shown on the drawing |
| Inscription, emblem and language | Cemetery and the buyer's end customer | Artwork proof, font and layout for approval |
| Stone, finish and natural variation | Buyer and cemetery within the approved rules | Labeled sample, lot reference and finish sample |
| Import and delivery documents | Buyer, broker, forwarder and insurer | Commercial and packing information agreed in the order |

## Do not transfer one country's rule to another

US Department of Veterans Affairs dimensions are tied to the relevant government-furnished program. A private US cemetery, Canadian cemetery or cemetery in the UK, Europe, Australia or New Zealand may use different rules. The buyer should obtain the current local form, approval contact and installation instructions for each plot. Boda Stone can manufacture to an [approved drawing](https://www.cnmonuments.com/how-we-work/cad-design-capabilities/), but it cannot grant cemetery approval or decide local permit, foundation or installer obligations.

## What to send before production starts

Before irreversible production, keep one release pack containing the cemetery rule or written approval, full drawing including the base and foundation relationship, inscription proof, material and finish reference, accessory details, and the name of the person who approved it. If the order is for stock, mark which details remain subject to local approval rather than presenting a common size as universally installable.

- Record the cemetery and plot reference, country and delivery contact.
- Mark approvals and revisions on the drawing, not only in email text.
- Confirm who will inspect the foundation and who accepts the installed monument.

## Send the cemetery’s size and installation requirements

[Send the cemetery rule or reference drawing](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/) with the country, plot type, monument style, dimensions, stone, finish, inscription, base, accessories and installation notes. We can review the manufacturing information and identify which items still require local confirmation.

## What your receiving team needs

Before shipment, give the receiving team the approved drawing, crate marks, model schedule, installation notes, foundation interface and contact responsible for cemetery approval. Ask the local installer to confirm unloading access and anchor or setting requirements. The exporter can document the agreed production scope, but cannot approve a cemetery installation on the authority's behalf.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Who decides whether a monument is allowed?

The controlling cemetery or relevant authority for the specific plot decides under its current rules.

### Can a common monument size be produced before approval?

That creates avoidable risk; obtain written approval first when rules could restrict the design.

### Do VA dimensions apply to every US cemetery?

No. They apply to specified government-furnished products and programs, not every private monument.

## Sources and further reading

- [VA/NCA — Types of Headstones and Markers](https://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/types.asp): Government-furnished U.S. program formats, not universal private-cemetery dimensions.
- [VA/NCA — Inscriptions](https://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/inscriptions.asp): Program-specific inscription guidance; local commercial projects require their own approvals.
- [Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Bylaws](https://thebao.ca/for-professionals/cemeteries-crematoriums/bylaws/): Ontario-specific guidance on cemetery bylaws; not a Canada-wide monument size standard.

Updated October 5, 2026. Check the current requirements for your destination and order.

Published by: [Boda Stone](https://www.cnmonuments.com/) · [Contact](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/)

### Planning a monument order?

Send a drawing or product photo, sizes, granite, quantities and destination port. We can then discuss the details and prepare your quote.

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Our stoneworking history goes back to 1996. Our current company was registered in 2017.

\#Cemetery Rules  \#Sales Strategy  \#Monument Installation

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