Chapter 26 CEMETERIES
Needs a look
Minor, but it points readers to repealed law. See the fix
Plain English: what this part covers
These are the rules for city-owned cemeteries: how graves and vaults must be set, what kind of headstones and monuments are allowed, what you can and can't plant or put on a lot, and who can do monument work. A cemetery lot is set at $125. Most of the rules go back to the 1983 city code.
- Cemetery lot fee: $125 (2011) — Sec. 26-10
- Vault top at least 12 inches below ground; other containers at least 24 inches — Sec. 26-4
- Upright tablets max 2 ft wide, 6 in thick, 3 ft 8 in tall — Sec. 26-5
- Family monument at least 3 in from rear line and 6 in from side lines — Sec. 26-5
- Mausoleums at least 10 in from any lot line — Sec. 26-5
- Corner posts 6 in x 6 in, set level with grade — Sec. 26-5
Editor's note— Fees for operation of the city's cemeteries are as determined from time to time by the city council.
Cross reference— Streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 74.
State Law reference— Criminal trespass and damage to property, § 16-7-20 et seq.; disposition of unclaimed dead bodies, O.C.G.A. § 31-21-20 et seq.; abandoned cemeteries and burial grounds, O.C.G.A. § 36-72-1 et seq.; Georgia Cemetery Act of 1983, O.C.G.A. § 44-3-130 et seq.
What's in here
- Sec. 26-1 Enforcement generally1
- Sec. 26-2 General rules and regulations
- Sec. 26-3 Plants and shrubs
- Sec. 26-4 Interments and disinterments
- Sec. 26-5 Specifications for memorial work
- Sec. 26-6 License
- Sec. 26-7 Monument builders and outside workmen
- Sec. 26-8 Right to remove1
- Sec. 26-9 [Schedule of fees for the purchase of cemetary lots.]
- Sec. 26-10 [Cemetery lot fee.]1
Questions folks ask
How much does a cemetery lot cost?
The code sets the fee for a lot in the City of Ashburn cemetery at $125 (set in 2011). The mayor and council can adopt a fee schedule, so confirm the current price and any opening/closing fees at city hall.
Can I plant flowers or shrubs on a family grave?
No individual flower beds or shrubbery are allowed on any lot. The city maintains the general landscaping, can remove flowers or arrangements once they become unsightly or don't meet the standard, and its consent is needed to remove plants.
Can I put a fence, curbing, gravel or concrete around a family plot?
No. Lot enclosures of any kind are prohibited, and no lot surface may be covered with concrete or gravel. Corner posts are allowed if set level with the ground.
What kind of headstone or monument is allowed?
One family monument per plot, of granite, marble or other natural stone, set at the rear of the plot. Upright individual tablets can't exceed 2 feet wide, 6 inches thick, or 3 feet 8 inches tall. Natural stone slabs are OK but concrete slabs, wood, and composition markers are not. Every memorial needs a full-size foundation, and every grave needs a marker.
Does a grave need a vault?
The code calls for a permanent vault (natural stone, metal, concrete or fiberglass) with its top at least 12 inches below ground. If another kind of outer container is used, its top must be at least 24 inches below ground.
Can I sell or transfer a lot I own, or move a burial?
Any transfer of a lot needs the city's written consent, and lot owners can't allow burials in their lots for pay. Disinterments require the city's consent and a written order from the lot owners.
Can a monument company work in the cemetery?
Yes, but monument companies that erect, clean or repair memorials must have a city business license and follow the city's reasonable directions and trade standards.
What can't you do in the cemetery?
No soliciting business from grieving families, no signs or advertising, and the code says no firearms except a military escort at a veteran's funeral or memorial service (that firearm rule is worth review against state law — see flags).
This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.
Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH26CE
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH26CE
Paid for by James Burgess