Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be labor fees in addition to the purhcase of the site?
A: The City of Pacific Grove charges labor fees for the opening/closing of the site, setting the marker, and placing a vase. The charges vary according to the type of burial (i.e. urn or casket).
Q: Can I pay the labor charges when I purchase the site?
A: Labor charges are due immediately before service is rendered. The City does not allow pre-payment for labor as costs can change from year to year.
Q: How can I pay for labor fees and sites purchased?
A: The City of Pacific Grove accepts checks, VISA, or MasterCard.
Q: Are there any special requirements for the burial of cremains?
A: El Carmelo Cemetery requires that all urns placed in the ground be made of bronze. Urns will be attached to the bottom of the markers. One day is needed for this process.
The size of urns to be placed in the columbarium and mausoleum niches is 5-3/4" x 5-1/2" x 7". Urns placed in columbarium and mausoleum niches must also be made of bronze.
Q: What are the requirements for markers?
A:
Markers for single-burial and double-garden crypt sites may be no larger than 12"x24". They must be of marble, granite, or bronze.
Markers for sites in the single-urn garden may be no larger than 8"x12". The markers must be of marble, granite, or bronze.
Columbarium and Unit 2 Mausoleum Niche Plaques:
Single name plaque: 4"x1-1/2"
Double name plaque: 6"x2-1/2"
Unit 1 Mausoleum Plaques:
Niche: 3-1/2"x8"
Crypt: 3-1/2"x15-1/4"
Q: Where do I get an urn and a marker?
A: The City of Pacific Grove does not sell urns, markers, or other products. These can be purchased through most mortuaries. Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Avenue, 831.375.4191, is the local mortuary in Pacific Grove.
Q: When and how do I schedule a burial of cremated remains?
A: Inurnments are scheduled after the marker and urn have been delivered to the cemetery. The mortuary and or the El Carmelo Cemetery Office will usually contact you to schedule a date and time for the service. The Cemetery Office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, and you are always welcome to call during those hours for any questions you may have.
Q: What days and times are available for scheduling burials or inurnments?
A: Burials or inurnments may be scheduled Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No burials or inurnments will be permitted on Sundays or any legal holiday. Services on Saturdays will be allowed only in extreme cases and will incur additional charges.
Q: I live far away. Do I have to be there to witness the burial?
A: You may choose to have the burial or inurnment performed without witnesses.
Q: How long can I wait before scheduling an inurnment?
A: It is recommended that scheduling be within 30 days; under special circumstances and with approval, as long as 60 days. Once the urn and marker have been delivered to the cemetery, you may call or e-mail the Cemetery Office at your convenience: 831.648.3172; dbillstrom@ci.pg.ca.us.
Q: Can I sell my site?
A: You may choose to sell your site back to the City for seventy-five percent (75%) of the original site cost, or you may sell your site privately. In either case you must have proof of ownership. If you sell your site privately, the City has no interest in the sales price, but will require a notarized Quit Claim document and a property transfer fee.
