Department of Parks and Recreation
Reference: Approving of Amendments to the City of Brighton Cemetery Rules and Regulations for Elmwood and Fairview Cemeteries
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Rhiannon Natali, Cemetery Manager of Parks and Recreation
Date Prepared: May 12, 2026
PURPOSE
Requesting City Council approval of amendments to the Cemetery Rules and Regulations for Elmwood and Fairview Cemeteries (the "Rules"), and ratification of previous revisions to the Rules.
BACKGROUND
The City implemented minor updates to the Rules in 2003, 2009, and 2019. Between 2019 and 2025, a total of 1,220 burials have taken place in the City, contributing to increased visitation at Elmwood and Fairview Cemeteries. The current Rules are not user-friendly, making it difficult for customers to easily locate the information they need. The current Rules have proven insufficient in addressing recent concerns, including customer complaints regarding decoration removal processes and landscape-related issues.
The updated Rules aim to reduce liability risks, improve clarity and accessibility, and promote greater customer compliance with these new Rules. The proposed revisions to the Rules help ensure that the cemeteries remain both well-maintained and sustainable for years to come. The proposed changes include: establishing a definition section for frequently used terms; updating the payment plan contract terms; adding ossuarium rules for consistency with existing columbarium rules; expansion of disinterment rules; modifications to foundation, monument, and marker regulations; protection of established trees within the cemeteries; and preventing encroachment on adjacent spaces with decorations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the amendments to the Cemetery Rules and Regulations for Elmwood and Fairview Cemeteries.
ATTACHMENTS
* Redline of the Rules
* Presentation
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