Monument Information

Ordering a Monument

Cemeteries cannot sell monuments pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 114, Section 430. Those interested in installing a monument on their lot at Mountain View Cemetery must contact a private monument company. The Cemetery has prepared a courtesy listing of local monument companies presently registered to do work at the Cemetery. Please note that this list is meant for the convenience of those interested in purchasing a monument and that the Cemetery does not endorse a particular company. 

Monument Size and Design Regulations

Once you have found a monument company, they will work with you on selecting the size, material, finish, and design of a monument. A monument must be centered at the head of a lot and the allowed dimensions are proportional to the lot size, as specified below:

On single grave lots, where monuments are permitted, the maximum dimensions of a slant marker shall be two (2) feet long by one (1) foot wide by 16" high. 

On two grave lots, where monuments are permitted, the maximum length of the monument base shall be three (3) feet. 

On three grave lots, where monuments are permitted, the maximum length of the monument base shall be three and one-half (3.5) feet. 

On four grave lots, where monuments are permitted, the maximum length of the monument base shall be four (4) feet.

On six grave lots, where monuments are permitted, the maximum length of the monument base shall be four and one-half (4.5) feet. 

The maximum height of monuments shall not exceed 38”. 

The width (front-to-back) of the monument base shall not exceed 16”, nor shall the width of the monument exceed 10". 

A flat marker at the foot of the lot is allowed for each grave in a lot. 

The front of the monument must be inscribed with the family name of the lot owner of record.

Installation of Monument

Upon receiving approval for the design of the monument, the monument company will complete and submit a Monument Installation Work Order Form which details the material, design, and size of the monument. Cemetery staff will review the form to ensure it complies with the Cemetery's Rules and Regulations. if approved, Cemetery staff will mark out the location of the monument foundation and notify the monument company.

The monument company is responsible for digging the foundation to a minimum depth of three (3) feet and pouring the cement foundation. Once it has been set, the monument company will install the monument upon the foundation. 

Care for Monument

Mountain View Cemetery does not clean, maintain, or repair monuments and the ongoing care of a monument is the responsibility of the lot owner or their representatives. If a monument begins to lean, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible, as it presents a hazard to visitors of the Cemetery and may be subject to further damage in the event it topples over. Those interested in repairing or cleaning their monuments should contact a local monument company.