Summit and Foote Cemeteries

Rules & Regulations
  1. INTRODUCTION
    1. The Williamstown Township cemetery grounds are intended to be used by the living as a place of respectful meditation and quiet visitation by family members and friends of the deceased. Summit and Foote Cemeteries are governed by Williamstown Township Cemetery Ordinance #45.
    2. These rules will assist in keeping up with modern cemetery administration, cremation, and burial requirements and rights, while maintaining the sacredness of our cemeteries. They will also assist in helping us resolve any problems and concerns in a consistent manner fair to all.
    3. Purchasers of Right of Burial Certificates simply acquire the right and privilege for the burial of human bodies and cremains, and of the erection of markers and monuments. These are subject to the rules and regulations now in force, or any which may be adopted in the future.
  2. CERTIFICATE OWNERS INFORMATION
    1. Right of Burial Certificate owners should bear in mind that spaces and niches are not real estate, and administrators and others in charge of settlement of estates should include these certificates in their schedule in order that executors may be given legal authority to order burials thereon in the future.
    2. Burial spaces/niches are exempt from taxation and liability for debt. (No mortgage or other encumbrances can be placed upon a burial space/niche.)
    3. Prices of spaces, niches, burials and foundations are subject to change without notice.
    4. A fee of $10.00 per Certificate transfer for any space or niche from owner to self, or any other person or persons, will be charged. Transfer fee is subject to change without notice.
  3. CEMETERY RULES AND REGULATIONS
    1. Burial space owners are strongly urged to consult with the Sexton before purchasing anything for a space. Advice will be cheerfully given and may save mistakes and serious disappointments.
    2. No ornamentation or decoration of any kind will be allowed on the columbarium or in the area surrounding the columbarium.
    3. No person shall drive a motor vehicle, off road vehicle, motorcycle, or any other motorized recreational vehicle in excess of 15 miles per hour on any cemetery road, or drive off the established roads.
    4. All dogs and domestic animals are prohibited from running at large on the grounds and the owner of same will be held responsible for any damage done, and for picking up after their animal.
    5. All persons are prohibited from picking any flowers or breaking or injuring any tree, plant or shrub on cemetery grounds.
    6. The Sexton shall reserve the right to remove original funeral designs and floral pieces as soon as they become unsightly, or after seven days.
    7. Winter and artificial decorations may be maintained on graves until April 1st. If such decorations are not removed by April 1st, they shall be considered abandoned and will be disposed of by the Sexton.
    8. No sod is to be removed which is not next to the marker or monument and then not more than 18 inches to the west of said marker or monument. All flower plantings must be placed in the 18 inch area to the west of the marker or monument. No planting shall cover the whole space.
    9. No trees, shrubs, hedges, vines or other growing things shall be placed upon any space except by approval of the Sexton, Township Supervisor or Township Board. Only trees specifically designed for placement in a cemetery shall be allowed. Other plantings shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height and may not encroach on other burial sites. Thorn bearing plants are prohibited. Plantings without permission may be removed without notice.
    10. No fencing, edging, decorative stone, or glass of any kind shall be placed around markers or monuments.
    11. Due to size restrictions, only upon approval from the Sexton or his/her designee will urns, solar lighting, shepherd hooks, and other decorations be allowed, and then must only be placed on the north and south ends (sides) of the markers or monuments.
    12. The Sexton or his/her designee reserves the right to remove any decoration that has become unsightly.
    13. Visitors are allowed every day from sunrise to sunset.
    14. The Sexton shall have the care of the cemetery and is hereby authorized to remove all those who violate these rules or commit trespass.

The Township reserves the right to change rules and regulations without notice to space/niche owners.

The cemetery Sexton and employees shall be responsible to the Township Board.

Williamstown Township
4990 Zimmer Rd
Williamston, MI 48895
(517) 655-3193

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