Rules and Policies

The Mt. Whitney Cemetery District is a Special District of the County of Inyo, and is mandated by the County and State to maintain this cemetery in a manner that provides a safe, respectful and attractive environment. Toward this end, the following policies have been set by the State of California, the County of Inyo, and the Trustees of the District.

HOURS OF OPERATION The cemetery gates are left open except during construction that might be a safety hazard to the public. Burials may be scheduled Tuesday through Saturday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

CAUTION The dirt sections present uneven ground that is unstable from sinking sand over old graves, as well as markers of varying heights and sizes. Try to stay on the paths between the grave sections. Be sure that children do not wander here unattended.

FLOWER POLICY For one week following a service, all flowers and any other tributes left at the gravesite will be undisturbed by cemetery personnel. Live plants cannot be planted on any grave. They can be donated for planting in approved areas, and the cemetery will place a memorial marker next to the plant upon request at no charge. In-ground vases are available for a nominal fee, installed by cemetery personnel only. The placement of flowers on the graves of our loved one is a time-honored tradition. Although some cemetery districts allow no flowers on lawn area graves during the mowing season, the Mt. Whitney Cemetery District chooses to accommodate the wishes of the local community while at the same time respecting the sanctity and safety of those maintaining the cemetery. Any flowers found in a location not associated with a specific gravesite (such as can happen during a windstorm) will be moved to the nearest grave.

NOISE POLICY Loud or boisterous activity, nor anything deemed disrespectful to the public, will be permitted on the cemetery grounds. Vandalism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

LAWN MOWING Lawns are mowed April to October, at which time dead and/or badly faded silk flowers will be discarded. All memorials will be replaced on graves to the best of the ability of the one doing the mowing. Therefore, please limit the number of items on a grave during this time.

GRAVEL POLICY No person shall place on a grave gravel or rocks (whether decorated or not) as they can get into the grass and damage the mowing equipment. Such will be removed and discarded.

MEMORIAL BENCHES These may be donated without a charge unless a concrete pad must be poured to accommodate them. Placement will be decided between the one donating the bench and cemetery management.

RESTRICTED ITEMS Please be advised that the following will not be allowed on graves in the grass areas: glass or crystal objects (pursuant to State of California health and safety Codes), alcoholic beverage containers, filled or empty heavy crockery containers on the lawns (as it harms the lawn), plastic flowers (silk is fine), balloons, silk flowers badly faded beyond original color, dead flowers, items of any kind affixed to the trees, bushes, fences or grave markers, any item that causes gouges or holes in the grass, and above-ground monuments such as crosses and statues imbedded in the grass. All such items will be removed from the grounds by cemetery personnel.

DAMAGE The District is not responsible for grave memorials damaged by the sprinklers, wind, weather events, wild animals, or visitors. The Mt. Whitney Cemetery District shall take reasonable precautions to protect the property rights of burial sites from loss or damage; but it distinctly disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage from causes beyond its reasonable control, and especially from damage caused by the elements, an act of God, thieves, vandals, unavoidable accidents, or order of any military or civil authority, whether the damage be direct or collateral.

CHILDREN VISITORS Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for supervising the children to make sure they do not walk on markers or climb trees. Any damage caused by a child will be the responsibility of the accompanying adult for any repairs.

PETS Dogs or other pets are not allowed to run free within the cemetery and must be on a leash at all times. It is unlawful to bury pet remains on cemetery grounds.

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ANY VEHICLES ON THE LAWN. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO BURY REMAINS, CREMATED OR OTHERWISE, ON CEMETERY GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE DISTRICT.