A Guide to Tombstone Sizes, Permissions, and Installation Requirements
At PERFECT MEMORIALS TOMBSTONE, we’re here to help you honor your loved ones with dignity and care. Installing a tombstone is a meaningful process, but it’s important to follow the rules and regulations set by the City of Johannesburg which are similar to other municipalities and the specific cemetery where the tombstone will be placed. Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about tombstone sizes, permissions, and installation requirements.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT THE OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPALITY, WE ARE A TOMBSTONE INSTALLATION COMPANY.
Tombstone Sizes
The size of a tombstone depends on the type of grave and the cemetery section. Here are the general guidelines based on the City of Johannesburg bylaws:
Lawn Section
- Adult graves:
- Headstone base: Maximum 900mm (length) x 260mm (width).
- Height: No part of the memorial may exceed 1,500mm above the berm.
- Child graves:
- Headstone base: Maximum 610mm (length) x 260mm (width).
- Height: No part of the memorial may exceed 1,500mm above the berm.
Memorial Section
- Adult graves:
- Maximum dimensions: 2,500mm (length) x 1,050mm (width).
- Child graves:
- Maximum dimensions: 1,500mm (length) x 900mm (width).
Landscape Section
- Memorial work must not exceed 500mm (length) x 500mm (width) x 30mm (thickness).
- Memorials must be embedded horizontally at ground level.
Permissions and Application Process
Before installing a tombstone, you must obtain the necessary permissions. Here’s what you need to know:
- Application for Memorial Work:
- Submit a completed application form to the officer-in-charge at least 5 working days before the intended installation date.
- Memorial work may only be erected during working hours, unless special approval is granted.
- Written Consent:
- You must have written consent from the officer-in-charge to:
- Erect memorial work or bring materials into the cemetery.
- Remove memorial work for additional inscriptions or alterations.
- Install a tombstone on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday.
- You must have written consent from the officer-in-charge to:
- Compliance with Bylaws:
- Memorial work must be made of durable materials approved by the South African Bureau of Standards, with a life expectancy of at least 25 years.
- Inferior, indecent, or non-compliant memorials may be prohibited or removed by the Council without compensation.
Installation Requirements
The City of Johannesburg has strict guidelines for tombstone installation to ensure safety and uniformity. Key requirements include:
- Foundation and Base:
- Memorial work must be securely attached to a base with cement mortar.
- The base for a single memorial must be at least 900mm (length) x 220mm (width) x 250mm (thickness).
- For double memorials, the base must be at least 2,286mm (length) x 200mm (width) x 250mm (thickness).
- Joining and Securing:
- Use copper or galvanized iron pins to join parts of the memorial:
- For memorials up to 500mm in height: Pins must be 5mm thick and 100mm long.
- For memorials 501mm to 1,000mm: Pins must be 10mm thick and 200mm long.
- For memorials 1,001mm and higher: Pins must be 20mm thick and 300mm long.
- Use copper or galvanized iron pins to join parts of the memorial:
- Ground Level:
- Flat memorials and bases must be sunk at least 50mm below the natural ground level.
- Cleanup:
- All surplus materials and rubble must be removed immediately after installation.
Additional Guidelines
- Inscriptions:
- The grave number assigned by the officer-in-charge must be displayed on the memorial in permanent and visible markings.
- The name of the maker, designer, or erector may appear at the base of the memorial.
- Dismantling or Altering Memorials:
- Only the holder of private rights or an authorized person may dismantle or alter memorial work, with written permission from the officer-in-charge.
- Dismantled memorials must either be removed from the cemetery or left on the grave.
- Council Liability:
- The Council is not liable for damage to memorials caused by subsiding soil.
Important Notes
- Cemetery-Specific Rules: Each cemetery may have additional requirements, so always confirm with the cemetery management.
- Professional Installation: We recommend using professional services (like ours!) to ensure compliance with all bylaws and regulations.
- Plan Ahead: Obtaining permissions and approvals can take time, so start the process early to avoid delays.
If you have any questions or need assistance with tombstone design, sizing, or installation, feel free to contact us at. We’re here to help you honor your loved ones with dignity and care.
