Common Cemetery Questions

Are cemeteries running out of space?

Some old, small cemeteries have run out of space, however most still have adequate space especially with the popularity of mausoleums.

Are cemeteries required to be licensed?

Generally yes, they are licensed by the Pa. State Real Estate Commission. The licenses must be posted in the cemetery office. An exception is made for those owned by bona fide church or religious organizations.

Why don't some cemeteries have tombstones?

Some cemeteries only permit upright monuments, others only flat memorials, and others permit both but only in certain sections of the cemetery.

What is Perpetual Care?

"Perpetual Care" usually refers to the correct terms Permanent Care or Endowment Care. These Care funds are collected with each Interment Space sale to maintain the grounds, roads, and buildings of the cemetery.

How much is charged for Endowment Care?

Endowment Care is charged at the rate of 15% of the gross amount of the funds arising from the sale of lots in the cemetery or the construction cost of each mausoleum crypt or niche.

Are permits required for burials?

Yes, permits are required for burials as well as cremations and disinterments.

Do burial errors ever occur?

People do make mistakes and occasionally burial errors do occur. The State of Pennsylvania requires that if the cemetery becomes aware of a burial in the wrong lot, the cemetery has the duty to identify the casket and reinter it in the correct lot. The cemetery must give notice to the next of kin and the owner if they have so requested.

If I buy a monument or vault now to be used in the future, how do I know it will be purchased when I die?

If you buy now (pre-need) the items to be delivered in the future are provided for by a State of Pennsylvania law requiring the seller to deposit 70% of the sale amount of the item in a trust fund to be used to supply the item when the death occurs.

Why does the cemetery require a vault?

Although not a law, most cemeteries want to prevent the ground from caving in above the casket and to keep the ground relatively level.

Who owns the interment right when the purchaser dies?

If all of the interment rights are not used when the purchaser(s) dies, unless specifically covered in a will, they descend to the heirs according to Pennsylvania State Law. You should contact an attorney to be sure. One example is if both parents (the purchasers) die and there is still one interment space left, that one interment space is owned jointly by all of the surviving children.

Why do people buy mausoleum crypts?

Some people prefer to be above ground. Some feel that since a vault is not required and a smaller marker is used that it is economical.

Still have questions?

For more information please contact PCCFA using our contact form.

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