Our Services

Below is a summary of the Madera Cemetery District’s (MCD) rules and regulations to provide visitors and users with essential information. The full version is available for review at the MCD office.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Madera Cemetery District (MCD) is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Madera County Board of Supervisors for four-year terms. The Board is responsible for:

Establishing policies and procedures in compliance with the California Health and Safety Code for public cemeteries

Financial planning and oversight

Managing District operations

BURIAL PLOTS

Cemetery Property: All property within MCD cemeteries is owned solely by the District. No individual, organization, or corporation has any rights or interests beyond those granted by MCD’s Rules and Regulations.

Burial Rights: The sale of burial rights follows MCD’s Rules and Regulations and complies with the California Health and Safety Code regarding eligibility for burial in an MCD cemetery.

Religious Services: Any religious service may be conducted at a burial, provided all requirements of MCD’s Rules and Regulations have been met.

RIGHTS GRANTED

Burial Rights: The sale of burial rights grants only the perpetual right to use and occupy the designated plot for burial purposes; it does not transfer ownership of the land.

Transfer of Rights: Burial rights cannot be transferred without prior written approval from MCD.

INTERMENTS

Scheduling: All burial requests must be scheduled with MCD before announcing the burial time. Staff is available by pager to assist with weekend scheduling.

Weekend Burials:

Saturday: Burials must be completed by noon.

Sunday: No burials are permitted.

Graveside Services:

Must begin no later than 3:00 p.m. at Arbor Vitae and Calvary Cemeteries.

Must begin no later than 2:00 p.m. at Oakhill, North Fork, and Raymond Cemeteries.

Payment: The purchase price of plots, along with all fees for products or services, must be paid in full before the grave, crypt, or niche is opened or any services are performed by MCD.

OPENING AND CLOSING GRAVES

MCD is responsible for the opening and closing of graves and the installation of all liners, vaults, or urns within its cemeteries.

An “Interment Order” must be signed by a family member or authorized agent to authorize the burial. All service fees must be paid in full before the grave is opened.

CASKET AND LINERS

Casket and Urn Protection: All burials, interments, or re-interments in MCD cemeteries must include a casket or urn placed in a concrete liner, vault, metallic or vantage vault, or urn liner approved by MCD.

Casket Opening: Caskets may not be opened before, during, or after services without the express permission of the deceased’s family. This must occur under the direct supervision of the funeral director in charge.

MONUMENTS AND MARKERS

Allowed Types: Markers must comply with MCD’s “Markers and Monuments Rules” and be made of granite, marble, bronze, or approved District markers.

Installation: All markers, bases, or monuments are installed exclusively by MCD staff, following the current fee schedule.

Flower Vases: Each marker must include at least two MCD-approved flower vases. These vases must be embedded in the concrete foundation, mausoleum, or niche wall in a design consistent with the area.

DECORATION OF GRAVES

To ensure the beautification, safety, and cost-effective maintenance of our cemeteries, the following rules apply to all gravesites, cremation areas, baby sections, niches, and mausoleums. These guidelines are in place to uphold the best interests of families and visitors. We kindly ask for your cooperation.

To maintain the beauty, safety, and dignity of our cemeteries, the following rules apply to all decorations in gravesites, cremation areas, baby sections, niches, and mausoleums:

Allowed Decorations

• Flowers/Arrangements:
  • Must be placed in the one or two permanent vases purchased with the headstone.
  • Adornments must be securely affixed (e.g., with wire or glue).
  • Cut flowers are removed twice a month.
  • Artificial flowers/arrangements will be removed when faded or unsightly, at the discretion of cemetery staff.

Prohibited Items

• On Headstones, Marker Foundations, or Plots:
  • Glass, figurines, statues, balloons, vases, containers, metal hooks, plant hangers, birdhouses, pinwheels, toys, candles, or other items.
  • Sand, gravel, or rocks in vases.
  • Permanent plants or plastic coverings.
• On Niche or Mausoleum Fronts:
  • No items, including taped pictures or notes, are allowed.

Holiday Exceptions

• Additional flowers, arrangements, or potted plants may be placed on concrete marker foundations or stone for special holidays (e.g., Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays).
• Items must not be placed on grass and may remain for one week after the holiday before being removed by cemetery staff.

Flags

• Small American flags may be placed in drilled flag holes (arrange drilling through the office).
• Flags for mausoleum vases must be appropriately sized.

Care and Responsibility

While MCD will make reasonable efforts to care for flowers in vases, we are not responsible for loss due to theft, weather, or other uncontrollable events.

Enforcement and Questions

For decoration approval or questions, please contact the office.

All unauthorized items will be removed.

REMOVAL OF FLOWERS

To maintain the appearance and upkeep of the cemeteries, MCD enforces the following flower and arrangement guidelines:

• Regular Removal: Unsightly flowers or arrangements, both fresh and artificial, will be removed at least twice a month without prior notice, except for Memorial Day.
• Grave Limit: A maximum of two bouquets may remain on each grave, placed in approved containers on the marker or monument foundation. Additional flowers/arrangements may be removed as needed during the mowing season.
• Holiday Exceptions: Extra bouquets are allowed for one week during special holidays such as Memorial Day, All Souls Day, and Birthdays.
• Deterioration: Any flowers that fade, discolor, or deteriorate will be removed and disposed of by cemetery staff.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of our grounds.

All headstones become the responsibility of the remaining family once they are set.

For your safety, please exercise caution while visiting the cemetery:

• Be mindful of uneven grounds.
• Watch your step around cement curbing throughout the property.

Your attention to these precautions helps ensure a safe and respectful visit.