City Updates Rules for Benches in City-Owned Cemeteries

Metal benches are no longer permitted in city-owned cemeteries, which includes the Bryan City Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery. Benches must now be constructed entirely of natural stone, such as granite, marble or limestone. 

At its July 2026 meeting, the Bryan City Council approved an ordinance to amend the rules about benches in city-owned cemeteries. Council took this action due to a pattern of metal benches rusting, falling apart and making cemetery maintenance difficult.

Through this notice, the city is giving all metal bench owners reasonable notice of the July 15, 2027 compliance deadline. After the deadline, any remaining benches out of compliance will be removed and disposed.

Under cemetery regulations, all benches must be supplied or installed by an approved monument company and must include an approved supporting foundation. Benches may only be placed at the foot of a space purchased from the city, facing the headstone, and written permission from the cemetery must be acquired.

Have questions? Contact the Cemetery Sexton at 979-209-5230 or rojackson@bryantx.gov. Cemetery office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.