National Cemetery Administration

The Administration Building contains the administrative offices, records and support spaces for the administrative work of the cemetery. The building has a waiting room with a receptionist (if workload requires) for families and visitors, offices for the director and assistant director (if workload requires), operations and records room (secured), multipurpose conference room, a staff unisex restroom, kitchenette and break room, storage and janitor closets. The Administration Building serves as a contact point and private meeting place for the family of the deceased and funeral directors. The building also includes cemetery burial records.

Depending on size, the staff may be from one to five or more persons. A small cemetery may have one administrative staff member and the director on site. A medium size cemetery may have three persons. A larger busy cemetery may have five or more persons on the staff. To support your design, NCA provides veteran population data to help determine staffing levels.

An Honor Guard room space for the military honors team may be co-located with or adjacent to the Administration Building. This space will require a separate entry door, a windowed space with a table, kitchenette with refrigerator, counter and microwave oven, a unisex toilet room and lockers for approximately 8-12 persons depending on the number of volunteers required.

The administration building shall be constructed with durable building materials and low maintenance finishes and fixtures. Materials used should be consistent with materials used for the committal service shelter, such as masonry construction. Typically, roofs should be designed with gables or hips and simple roof plans. Roofs should avoid dormers and skylights. Positive drainage away from the building must be achieved.

The administration building may be separate, co-located, or adjacent to the maintenance building. Utilities serving this building such as pad-mounted condensers should be properly located and screened from public view.

Visitors enter the building through the front door and are greeted in the reception and waiting room area adjacent to the general offices. The director's office, conference and multipurpose rooms are open to the general public. A unisex staff restroom should also be located close to the reception area that serves the administrative staff and also serves (infrequently) the public.

Behind the waiting room and the director's office space, is the operations and records room. This is the hub of the office, containing shared office equipment and secured files. The staff and volunteers enter the administration building from the adjacent employee parking lot. A lunchroom with a kitchenette is a separate room isolated from public view and can serve as a connector to a rear or side door to the employee parking lot.

The U.S. flag is the key focal point for the assembly area. The flag may be designed tangent to the assembly area and positioned in a key visible spot. The assembly area may accommodate approximately 200-250 persons. This can also include an overflow area to the sides of the assembly area.

The assembly area may also incorporate an architectural or a landscape feature that functions as a platform or a backdrop for speakers. The area must accommodate enough portable seating for 20 dignitaries.

Optional: an area adjacent to the speakers' platform may permit portable seating for a 40-piece band.

The U.S. flag is the single most important feature within the cemetery boundaries. The flag is the focus of great symbolism for veterans and their survivors. The flagpole and its surrounding area should have its own individual identity, and be both complementary and harmonious with the natural surroundings. Use quality, durable, and low-maintenance building materials such as stone, brick or concrete. Avoid locating the flagpole with other flags or in conjunction with an operational function, such as the administration building, where the flag becomes an adornment of the building.

The U.S. flagpole in the assembly area (aluminum or stainless steel) with internal halyard shall be tall enough to be visible from major adjacent roadways, if practical. Provide ample and unobtrusive flag lighting. Use above ground fixtures only. Do not use in-ground fixtures. If flown 24 hours a day, the flag must be illuminated after dark. During interment services, the flag is lowered to half-staff. The flag should remain visible to the maximum extent possible even when lowered to half-staff. The flagpole shall meet FAA regulations for height and flight safety requirements. Cemetery personnel must be able to access the flagpole to raise and lower the flag for services. The state flag is typically located with a secondary U.S. Flag in front of the administration building. A shorter flagpole (15 to 30 feet) in another location may display the POW/MIA flag. This is frequently located along the memorial walk.

Provide adequate electrical service to meet ceremonial and maintenance needs in the assembly area. Electrical junction J-boxes should be out of sight and blend into their surroundings. Provide access to water to clean the assembly area paving. Parking for special events and programs is accommodated on roadways and sometimes on the turf in undeveloped interment areas.

The Avenue of Flags consists of approximately 40 flags lining both sides of the cemetery entry road. The funeral corteges proceed in a forward direction from entry to departure. The Avenue of Flags adds to the color, drama, and patriotic impact of the cemetery.

Flags are placed in sleeves inside the cemetery entry gate and along the entrance and exit roads. The sleeves are mounted at grade level in a permanent anchor. The flags are nylon (preferably) for wind and weather resistance and may be small in size, rather than large. The height of the poles may be 10-12 feet in height and spaced at approximately 15 -20 feet minimum distance apart, or 30 feet maximum distance apart, depending on the trees and plantings at each cemetery location.

The large interment flags are often used for the Avenue of Flags. However, these heavy-duty cotton flags are not recommended for routine use if the Avenue of Flags is intended as an everyday feature. Interment flags are not suitable for everyday use due to their large size, staining and weathering fabric properties and weight.

Burial Areas should generally conform to the existing terrain, with grades ranging from a minimum of two percent to a maximum of 15 percent to achieve positive drainage and pedestrian access. In selecting a site, one should consider whether extensive earthmoving and grading would be necessary to develop the site as a cemetery. Extensive grading should be avoided as it is expensive and could adversely impact adjoining land or destroy natural site features, making the cemetery appear to be out of character with the surrounding landscape. Final grading must achieve one, predominant uniform slope within each section. Rising and falling slopes must be eliminated.

Permanent gravesite control markers should be based on a grid layout. Depending on the terrain, the size of sections may vary. Plant materials should be utilized to create shade and add texture to the area.

Avoid soils where ground water conditions require subsurface drainage systems. An adequate storm drainage system is required to prevent collection of water in Burial Areas.

Irrigation of Burial Sections is strongly recommended to support healthy turf.

At key points, parallel parking for two to three cars is provided for cemetery visitors. Water and vase receptacles are also provided at these locations. The transition from roadside parking to the burial areas should be easily negotiated by all visitors. Burial areas should not be dramatically lower or higher in elevation than the roads.

In-ground interment areas for casketed or cremated remains shall generally conform to existing terrain. Final grades shall range from two percent, the minimum to achieve positive drainage, to a maximum of 15 percent. Final grading shall achieve one predominant, uniform slope. Edges of burial sections shall be a minimum of 10 feet from edges of roads, drives and tree lines; a minimum of 20 feet from property boundaries or fence lines.

The maximum distance from the edge of a road to the farthest gravesite within a burial section shall be no further than 275 feet over relatively level land. In sloped areas, the distance from the farthest gravesite should be measurably shorter.

The topography is the primary factor in determining the direction graves face within a Burial Section. Where the topography is not significant, road layout and accessibility will determine the direction graves face. A single Burial Section should have one predominant slope. Each Burial Section in the cemetery is identified, with the limits of the Burial Section clearly indicated by section markers.

Gravesite sizes when conditions warrant are:

• The 5 foot x 10 foot gravesite will be used where double-depth interments in a 7 foot excavation are possible.
• The 6 foot x 10 foot gravesite will be used for single depth side-by-side interments where excavation below 5 feet is impractical due to soil conditions.
• The 4 foot x 8 foot gravesite may be used in those sections of state cemeteries which use flat markers.
• The 3 foot x 8 foot gravesite may be used in those sections that use lawn crypts. Lawn crypts are double-depth type pre-placed concrete containers with removable concrete lids. They are installed at the time of land development. Crypts are installed by excavating the burial area. In most climates, adequate drainage is installed and the area is filled, leveled then compacted. The pre-cast crypts are placed adjacent to and abutting one another.

An In-Ground Cremain Burial site is usually square and half the size of a full casket site (e.g. 5 feet x 5 feet). Size depends upon the type of marker and the grid layout chosen. The cremain sections should be consistent with any adjacent gravesite section.

Cremain sites when conditions warrant are:

• Cremain Sections should be 2 feet deep. Size again depends on the full casket size used at the location. Markers should be consistent with others used at the site. When selecting marker type (upright or flat), site size must be a consideration due to spacing, maintenance and aesthetics.
• Garden Niche or Terrace: a burial site for the interment of cremated remains in a distinct space using a system of paths, walls and/or terraces that creates a tranquil garden setting, is 3 feet x 3 feet x 2 feet deep, and is marked with 12 inch x 18 inch flat marker of granite or bronze, or a wall-mounted bronze plaque 5½ inch x 8½ inch.
• Scattering Garden: a designated garden-type area where cremated remains are scattered in the landscape. A site used for the scattering of cremated remains is not individually marked, but the deceased is acknowledged on a communal bronze plaque in the garden area or by an individual bronze plaque mounted on a wall designated for that purpose. An individual whose ashes are scattered in the Veterans cemetery may not have a memorial marker placed in the memorial section of the cemetery.

The Carillon Tower should be constructed of materials that blend in with other cemetery components. A sound system is incorporated into the tower to provide bell tower sounds.

A Carillon Tower is approximately 45 feet high with a six foot by six foot base. The Master Plan may provide a location and electrical conduit rough-in connecting the Carillon Tower to built-in speakers at the Committal Service Shelter Storage Closet which will play taps after the Committal Service. Please note that a Carillon Tower is optional at a state, territorial or tribal Veterans cemetery. Again, this is typically a donated item at a Veterans cemetery.

A columbarium is an above-grade structure designed for the interment of cremated remains in a niche 10/12' x 15' x 20' deep, measured at the face. The columbarium unit is usually two-sided for efficiency with numbered rows and columns identifying each individual niche.

The columbarium is a pre-cast concrete structure with footings. The structure is faced with brick, block, stone, granite, or pre-cast veneer, similar in material to other structures in the cemetery. Niche covers are supplied by the National Cemetery Administration, Memorial Programs Service (MPS). Inscription contracts are also arranged upon request through MPS.

Columbarium designs are recommended to be a maximum of five units high. The length, configuration of layout and size is determined during design based on desired number of units and other factors such as topography and traffic patterns. Size will also vary based on burial rates. Columbaria supply between 25 and 50 percent of the total cemetery burials. Columbaria may not be needed in regions with low cremation rates or at facilities with ample space for in-ground cremation burials. For visual balance, niches should be horizontally aligned between columbarium units within a courtyard. Columbarium walls should not be closer than 12 feet apart. This ensures visitor circulation, privacy and landscape improvements.

The columbarium supporting slab projects several inches above grade. A 12-inch perimeter gravel strip at the slab edge provides drainage along the columbarium perimeter. Family and visitors may place flowers in cemetery-supplied vases in the drainage strip.

The columbarium cap must be sloped to direct rain water, and provide a waterproof cover over the structure.

Security is also an important factor in design. Columbarium courtyards should not be isolated. They should be visible from other parts of the cemetery.

The committal service shelter is a roofed, open-air pavilion structure with four-to-six columns blending the feeling of shelter with the outdoors. The pavilion provides a covered area with seating for the immediate family of approximately 10-20 people and an uncovered paved area to provide space for approximately 50 additional people. The paved area (approximately 900 minimum covered square feet) (with 1,200–1,800 maximum square feet includes both covered and uncovered area) will permit the additional standing room overflow for 50 persons to gather for the ceremony.

Additionally, a paved area must be provided for an Honor Guard of approximately three-to-seven members to stand adjacent to the shelter. The U.S. flag should be visible from the shelter.

An enclosed storage closet (approximately 125 square feet or less) will store one rolling bier, 20 stacking chairs, wall-mounted shelf for sound system, a duplex outlet, broom, and a shovel.

Note: Public restrooms are not recommended at this location as they may tend to increase visitor traffic during a committal service.

• Committal Service Shelter Drive should be provided for access and parking for each committal service shelter. A small loop drive, adjacent to the shelter, wide enough for parking the funeral cortege in two rows on both sides of the road with approximately 15 vehicles each row maximum, and an open center lane for moving traffic works well.
• Cortege Assembly Area is located adjacent to the Public Information Center, near the entrance road. It consists of one or more lanes for vehicles to line up before proceeding to the Committal Service Shelter. Access to the Public Information Center with restrooms from the Cortege Assembly Area is imperative. Funeral corteges average 30 vehicles with three persons per vehicle. This is recommended for larger cemeteries with six or more committal services per day. This is not used at small or medium size cemeteries.

A Committal Service Shelter looks best when the design is simplified and long-lasting for the future (50-100 years ahead). The shelter design should stand the test of time and reflect today's contemporary forms. The architectural style of the structure is preferred to be an open pavilion, with sturdy, simple shapes and easy-to-maintain structural elements and materials. This will provide many years of future use for this structure.

The structure should be approximately 900 square feet (covered area) (25 feet x 36 feet) supported by the storage closet and two (minimum) to six (maximum) columns at a 10 foot minimum clear height.

We recommend standing seam metal (gabled or hipped) with gutters, leaders, downspouts, splash blocks or underground pipe connection to ensure positive drainage from the structure. The color palette is coordinated throughout the master plan.

The shelter should contain a 5 feet x 25 feet storage closet for chairs and bier storage at one end of the structure.

The structure will bear on a concrete slab approximately 1,200-1,800 square feet with control joints to prevent cracking. A textured concrete finish can be added to the concrete slab to define the gathering area.

Building materials are required to be durable and relatively maintenance-free, such as brick, stucco, building stone or cut masonry block and are selected for life-cycle performance characteristics at a given project location.

Based on burial activity, the program will fund one Committal Shelter for one-to-five burials per day, and two for six-to-ten burials per day.

In designing the Committal Service Shelter, the following architectural elements should be avoided:

• Excessive use of vernacular, detailed items, extra trim and unnecessary ornament, striping, expensive limestone, sandstone, copper roofing material, synthetic slate, or clay roof tiles. This adds extra, undesirable cost.
• The use of vinyl siding, lead or leaded copper siding or roof tiles is inappropriate.
• Open trusses, open column tops, or perching areas are not permitted due to the maintenance and cleaning required and unpredictable distractions occurring during the burial ceremonies. Avoid architecture that invites birds and insects to nest.

Cemetery identification is a component of the entrance area. In its design, the Entry Feature should include the State Veterans Affairs Seal, Territorial or Tribal Government seal or insignia, at least two feet in diameter, and the words "(NAME) Cemetery" in lettering clearly visible from the public street (approach road).

Most entrances feature a double width road, divided for traffic control at the "entry gate." This separates entering and exiting visitors.

Landscape should be used to accentuate the entrance. In dry climates, xeriscape landscape design is appropriate to ensure continuing vegetation. Allow space in between the plants for perennials and annuals added for seasonal color and special events.

A directory sign may be included in a pull off, a short distance from the gate.

Architecturally, the Entry Feature relates to the other project structures within the cemetery by using similar materials and design patterns and texture. Low-scale landscape plantings enhance and draw attention to the entrance area and gate. Landscaping should use seasonal plantings to vary colors in this area.

A chain or two swinging or sliding gates are an integral part of the entry design, and are useful to control access to the cemetery. Provide a divided double width entrance for traffic control at the "entry gate." The structure should be properly set back to ensure safe entry from busy roads. Provide vertical curbing to keep cars from driving over the turf or plantings.

A Veterans cemetery name sign should be placed horizontally at the center of the entry feature wall and gate. The sign should be visible from the approach road and illuminated between dusk and dawn. This name sign will be designed and included in the project construction documents.

Evaluate the project site location to determine whether an irrigation system is feasible and should be installed at the cemetery. The report should include a cost analysis of irrigation versus non-irrigation, on-site and off-site water supply sources including quality of available water, annual rainfall and the quantity of water needed to sustain healthy plants.

Irrigation systems consist of main and lateral lines, controls, valves and sensors and sprinkler heads. Wells and pump houses are also required. Some cemeteries have man-made structures such as tanks or ponds for water storage.

If an irrigation system is recommended, design and specify an efficient irrigation system that is easily operated and maintained by cemetery staff. Irrigation lateral lines in burial sections should run parallel with the length of the gravesites. Xeric or low volume irrigation systems are recommended to minimize water usage. Please note that water supply approval varies state by state, based on conservation rules. This necessitates early water source planning.

In cemeteries using pre-placed crypts, considerations should be given to irrigation installation at the time of crypt placement.

The components of a Maintenance Building include:

• Workshop (with Parts and Tools Storage)
• Maintenance Bays for Vehicles and Equipment
• Vehicle Wash Bay and Wash Equipment Room
• Equipment (compressor, lifts, tire changer, etc)
• Storage Space/mezzanine
• Foreman's Office
• Lunchroom with Kitchen Unit and Vending Area
• Janitor Closet
• Locker Room (with Toilet and Shower Facilities)
• Boot Vestibule with storage
• Mechanical Room

Locate the maintenance areas so that they are not readily visible to the public. Site the complex optimally for functional operations. In some instances, the Maintenance Building is located with the Administration Building and the Public Information Center (PIC). It should not however be visible from the interment areas. In this configuration, the Maintenance Building is normally located behind the Administration part of the complex. Also utilize terrain and landscape in the design to lessen the visual impact of this facility on the cemetery.

The Maintenance Building is required to be constructed of durable materials and a garage interior requiring little or no maintenance. This building is a support facility for the cemetery facilities vehicle and equipment services.

Materials recommended include metal, pre-fabricated or pre-engineered metal building, cut block/stone (granite face), brick (oversize), or a combination of masonry and metal depending on the project location and budget. Knee walls should be utilized to minimize damage to interior and exterior walls when moving equipment. The design must be similar in form, elevations and overall building massing (including roof, form and detail) to the Administration Building and Public Information Center. If the state considers contracting out maintenance operations, the Maintenance Building may be substantially reduced in size.

Provide employee pedestrian access from the employee parking lot to the Service Yard.

A Memorial Section for headstones memorializing those whose remains are unavailable for burial may be located in areas of a cemetery not suitable for casketed interments, because of soils, terrain or landscape features. The size and layout of the Memorial Section will depend on the site layout, size of the individual memorial site, and the demand at a particular cemetery for memorial sites.

A memorial site is 3 feet x 3 feet marked with a flat or upright marker of granite or bronze, except that bronze memorial plaques may be mounted on walls designated for that purpose, in lieu of placement of a marker in a memorial section. The walls may be portions of other features such as retaining walls, terraces, etc., which are appropriate for memorial purposes.

A Memorial Walk shall have appropriate locations designated along the path for donated memorials, plaques, and benches.

The Memorial Walk consists of an asphalt path leading to a Memorial Section or donations area. Minimize the visual impact of the paved surfaces, if designed as a woodland path. The site turf is maintained, cut and trimmed along the Memorial Walk. Landscape features may be grouped nearby depending on the project.

The PIC is a roofed, one-story structure with visitor information displayed on a cemetery site plan map or in a visitor information office (optional for larger cemeteries). The PIC components include the Kiosk grave locator, air conditioned and heated restrooms, a drinking fountain, a layout map of the cemetery, a bulletin notice board and an optional public telephone (optional these days due to the cellular phone). Building materials are similar to the Administration Building.

Most often, the PIC function can be co-located with the Administration Building. In this instance, functions such as visitor information desks may be combined with the Administration Building reception area.

To access the PIC, visitors park in an area adjacent to the main entrance to the PIC. The PIC parking area is distinctly separate from the Cortege Assembly Area. The two parking areas however, may be combined at a smaller state, territorial or tribal Veterans cemetery.

The PIC is a one-story building with a commercial, non-institutional character. The appearance of the PIC building is that of a solid, enduring structure, similar in nature to materials used for the administration building and other cemetery structures. The PIC should be constructed using durable materials and finishes requiring little or no maintenance.

At most locations, the PIC can be co-located with the Administration Building. Additionally, since most PICs contain restrooms, separate restroom facilities are normally not required at the cemetery Administration Building.

After passing through the main gates of the cemetery, the PIC provides an orientation point to the visitors and funeral corteges. The PIC should be located adjacent to the Cortege Assembly Area. The buildings location overlooks the Assembly Area, Flag Location, Columbarium and many of the Burial Sections. The PIC should be accessible from the interment areas providing visitors with easy access to Public Restrooms.

The PIC provides handicap accessible restroom facilities for men and women. It should also include a drinking fountain and a janitor closet with mop sink adjacent to the rest rooms. The PIC must be heated and cooled depending on project location. A small mechanical room may be located adjacent to the janitor closet.

The Kiosk Grave Locator is an interactive computer screen that gives veteran burial information and gravesite location for veterans and dependents buried in the cemetery. The Kiosk provides the visitor with a printout page showing the gravesite location of the deceased veteran and dependents. The Kiosk Grave Locator associated with the PIC should be positioned under a projecting or recessed covered area. This provides protection from glare, thus making the Kiosk screen easily readable. The Kiosk (wall-mounted or free-standing types) displays gravesite locations for the cemetery visitor's use.

The design and building materials should be similar to the Administration Building. If not part of the Public Information Center or Administration Building, the restroom building would be a freestanding building with separate facilities for men and women.

Public Restrooms include separate facilities for men and women (approximately 150 square feet each for men and women), an adjacent janitor closet with mop sink and shelves for paper storage, and a small mechanical/electrical room for heating and cooling.

Note the size, fixtures and location for the restrooms vary with the cemetery project, and with the number of visitors and daily burial rate. A typical restroom layout should contain a minimum of two fixtures but no more than three.

Entrance Road

The entrance "boulevard" is a divided road, at least at its intersection with the approach road (public road) and preferably for its full length. Each side supports one-way traffic, with a passing lane. Entrance roads, if used as the Funeral Cortege Assembly Area, must be long enough and wide enough to accommodate waiting funerals without blocking access to the cemetery.

Primary Road

For the primary cemetery road, a main loop is desirable, allowing one to drive through the cemetery without turning around. Other configurations are possible depending on the specifics of the site. The primary road provides access to all other cemetery roads.

Secondary Road(s)

Secondary roads may be subordinate loops or connector roads. They provide access primarily to burial sections.

Service Road(s)

The following two types make up the network of service only roads within the cemetery roadway system:

• Service entrance: the road provides access from the public road (approach road) directly to the cemetery administration/maintenance complex. Traffic consists of maintenance vehicles and delivery trucks.
• Service drives to buildings: the drives that provide access to wells, pump houses, etc. These driveways have no curbs and may use gravel surfaces in order to minimize their visual impact on the site. Traffic consists of cemetery maintenance vehicles.

Committal Service Shelter Drive

Separate drives may be provided for access and parking for each committal service shelter. A small loop drive, adjacent to the shelter, wide enough for parking three vehicles abreast, works well. The entire drive should accommodate an average of 30 vehicles. The layout of roads and shelters should allow for a cortege to proceed to the designated shelter without passing another funeral cortege on the road. Whenever possible, Committal Service Shelter drives should be accessed without driving by active burial operations.

The hierarchy of roads in the cemetery includes the entrance road as a divided two-lane road leading into the system of primary and secondary roads and service drives. The design of all the roads should accommodate anticipated traffic volume at a design speed of 15 mph (24 km/h). The road system should allow for funeral corteges to proceed in a forward direction from entry to departure. The road system should be simple and provide good access to all burial sections. Winding roads and sweeping curves enhance the beauty of the cemetery. Roadside landscaping that complements the appearance of the cemetery should be provided.

The preferred road design includes curbing. In expansions of existing cemeteries, the road design will follow the master plan. Roads designed without curbing will have edge reinforcement. Where curbing is used, it must be mountable (rolled, sloped, flush or battered-face) for traffic control, equipment access, and drainage control. Design storm drainage curb and gutter inlets to match the profile of the curb and/or curb and gutter. No part of the inlet shall be behind the curb. Use vertical curbing on roads within the cemetery only if necessary for traffic control. Maximum road grade is 10 percent.

The entrance road, primary and secondary roads are generally wide enough for two-way traffic to pass a parked vehicle. The roads should be placed in a manner to allow for burial sections to be placed on both sides of the road. Preferred minimum road widths and radii are outlined in the table that follows in this section.

Quality in construction and materials is critical to the cemetery roadway system. Determine quality requirements by contacting the state highway engineer and a geo-technical consultant. All cemetery roads should support occasional use by heavy equipment and large trucks loaded with wet dirt, gravel and headstones.

• Entrance Road:
  • 18' face-to-face of curb
  • 24' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • 50' minimum radius
• Primary Road:
  • 24' face-to-face of curb
  • 24' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • 30' minimum radius
• Secondary Roads:
  • 20' face-to-face of curb
  • 24' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • 30' minimum radius
• Service Roads - Entrance:
  • 24' face-to-face of curb
  • 24' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • 30' minimum radius
• Service Roads - to Buildings:
  • 10' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • 30' minimum radius
• Committal Service Shelter Drives:
  • 27' face-to-face of curb
  • 30' edge-to-edge with no curb
  • Narrow to 12' at throat
  • 30' minimum radius

The Service Yard use is based on outdoor service, maintenance and delivery functions. The size of the yard varies with the project and cemetery size. Vehicles and daily vehicular movement and activity are the on-going functions in a Service Yard including entering, backing up and departing for 16-18 wheeler trucks delivering headstones and daily yard use by employees driving pickup trucks, backhoes, tractors and lawn mowers.

Most entrances feature a double width road, divided for traffic control at the "entry gate." This separates entering and exiting visitors.

Landscape should be used to accentuate the entrance. In dry climates, xeriscape landscape design is appropriate to ensure continuing vegetation. Allow space in between the plants for perennials and annuals added for seasonal color and special events.

A directory sign may be included in a pull off, a short distance from the gate.

The Service Yard is required to have a separate secured vehicular access from the public road.

A typical Service Yard is approximately 1500 square feet (depending on the size of the cemetery project) with an asphalt paved surface, concrete aprons at the overhead doors and bollards protecting the door openings at the Maintenance and Service garage buildings.

Both the buildings and the Service Yard are required to be physically secured. The entire complex is required to have fire detection and security systems.

The size and external storage requirements for the Service Yard will be considered on an individual project basis. An outside vehicle wash area for pressure washing with an oil water separator may be recommended in mild climates for year-round use.

The Service Yard and adjacent buildings should be screened from public view from access highways and roads. The Service Yard is fenced for security purposes with a lockable sliding or swinging gate and a wood, brick, block or chain link steel fence.

VCGP and NCA use above ground fuel storage tanks and dispensing system. A divided tank is required, one tank for unleaded and one for diesel fuel, with mounting pad and electrical service for pumps.

Provide floor drains and hose bibs at the wash rack, as appropriate, so that dirt and mud can be washed off vehicles and equipment after use. Veterans Cemetery Grants Program prefers to use self-contained wash water recycling systems.

Pesticide storage cabinets are labeled and placed within Maintenance Storage areas in cemetery maintenance buildings. A pre-fabricated building is highly recommended for large facilities for this requirement. Pesticide mixing and loading are done here by the Maintenance Staff.

Special requirements:

• Designed to meet current EPA regulations for chemical storage and containment
• Designed to meet local building codes and pesticide storage regulations
• Fireproof construction
• Positive ventilation with explosion-proof motor(s)
• Chemical resistant coated surfaces; sealed concrete floors
• Explosion and dust proof lighting
• Metal storage shelving
• Secondary containment area to prevent spill leakage
• Mixing and loading area adjacent to storage, under roof with containment area
• Eyewash

Utility Distribution Systems include electric, gas, water, sewer and telephone lines. Different parts of the cemetery will require different utilities. The Administration Building, for example, requires all utilities. Committal Shelters require only electricity and water. Burial Sections will require water for flower vases and irrigation.

In many cemetery site layouts, the loop road incorporates most utilities. Utilities are brought into the cemetery based on the most direct or best utility access. The grant program does not pay for off-site utility lines. Since utility locations will vary, utility development costs (i.e. bringing utilities to the cemetery project property line) will vary with each project. Local utility companies must be contacted, and routing costs estimated to obtain utilities at a given cemetery project. State, Territorial or Tribal Veterans Administration officials and/or architect and engineering Master Planning team members may be required to recommend solutions for offsite utility development.

Route the main distribution systems for utilities immediately adjacent to roadways within 10 feet of the curb or pavement edge. Route any utility lines through interment areas between interment sections.

Install all utility lines, including electric power and communication lines underground. Exceptions may be made depending upon excessive cost or remoteness of a source from developed areas of the cemetery.

Eliminating power poles and overhead distribution lines will reduce maintenance and repair costs by reducing exposure or vulnerability to damage while reducing clutter in the visual environment.