Rules and Regulations

1. Plots may be purchased only by current or longtime residents of the Town of Charlotte. To qualify, Charlotte must have been the purchaser’s primary residence for at least six months of the year for the past five years. Individuals who were Charlotte residents for at least 20 years and then moved out-of-town also qualify to purchase plots. Eligible residents may be homeowners or renters.
2. No more than two plots may be purchased by a single family. “Family” is defined as a purchaser’s immediate relatives -- spouses, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. Extended family members who are not included in this definition, but qualify as Charlotte residents, are eligible to purchase plots themselves.
3. There are no limitations on the individuals (family, extended family, friends, etc.) who may be interred in family plots.
4. Plots may be transferred to another owner only with the consent of the Trustees of the Morningside Cemetery Association (“Trustees”).
5. The standard size of burial plots is 7’x10’. In a few locations, 10’x10’ plots may be available. Up to two casket burials or six cremains (or one casket and three cremains) may be interred in each plot.
6. The plot purchase price is set from time to time by the Trustees. The price of a standard plot is currently $700. The larger 10’x10’ plots sell for $800.
7. Within three months of purchase, plot owners shall install granite or marble corner markers. The markers should measure approximately 6”x6” and display the first letter of the last name(s) of the purchaser or persons to be interred. (Refer to “Guidelines for Headstones & Markers at Morningside Cemetery, #7”). Upon installation of the markers, the purchaser will receive a deed indicating, among other information, the location of the plot.
8. Green burials are not permitted.
9. Owners may install gravestones and markers whose size and style will not obstruct or detract from the traditional look and feel of the old stones and markers that distinguish Morningside. To assure the Trustees’ concurrence, the proposed materials, designs, messaging and location of all stones in the plot must be submitted for prior approval. (Refer to “Guidelines for Headstones & Markers at Morningside Cemetery.”)
10. Planting bushes, flowers, or other vegetation that create obstacles for mowing is discouraged. Members must receive Trustees’ approval in advance for special grave-side plantings. Decorative items and ornaments are not permitted. Military markers and small flags may be placed next to the headstones of individuals who served in the armed forces. Bouquets of natural flowers in sturdy vases or plants in plots less than 10 inches in diameter are also permitted. All other decorative items, including lights, figurines and statues, plastic flowers or wreathes, fencing or borders are not allowed. Unauthorized items may be removed and discarded by the Trustees.
11. Casket internments must be conducted by licensed funeral homes. Plot owners or their representatives shall notify a Trustee when a burial is scheduled and indicate who will manage it.
12. An urn is not required for burial of cremated remains (“cremains”). However, if an urn is not used, it may not be possible to retrieve the cremains should the family wish to move them in the future. In selecting a location within the plot to bury cremains, the first burial should be at a depth of three feet and at a distance of two feet from the headstone. (Burying cremains in this manner will keep containers firmly in the ground and will not interfere with grass growth and lawncare.) This process will also minimize disruption if additional cremains are to be interred in the site in the future.
13. Digging of graves for urns or cremains must be carried out by individuals or companies that are insured for that purpose.
14. When internment of a casket or cremains is imminent, plot owners or their representatives shall notify a Trustee to obtain approval of the proposed date and time of the internment. Internments may be delayed due to weather or other circumstances, such as wetness, in order to protect the grounds from damage by vehicles and digging equipment. 
15. As authorized in the Bylaws, additions and changes to the Rules and Regulations that govern management of the Cemetery may be established by the Trustees from time to time.

Revised January 5, 2026