HomeAnswersWhat is a columbarium?
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a structure, usually above ground, built to hold cremated remains in individual spaces called niches.
Florida law defines a columbarium as a structure or building substantially exposed above the ground and intended for the inurnment of cremated remains, and it lists a columbarium among the things a cemetery may contain. Minnesota law defines a niche as a space in a columbarium for the placement of cremated remains. VA's cemetery design guidance describes a columbarium as an above-grade structure with niches, usually two-sided, with numbered rows and columns identifying each niche.
VA says bronze niche markers are available to mark columbaria used for cremated remains. Indiana law lists a columbarium alongside an established cemetery, a mausoleum and a garden crypt as places where remains may be deposited.
The sources behind this answer
- Florida law defines a columbarium as a structure or building substantially exposed above the ground and intended for the inurnment of cremated remains. Florida Statutes 497.005(18)
- Florida law says a cemetery may contain a columbarium, among other places for interment or disposition of cremated remains. Florida Statutes 497.005(13)
- Minnesota law defines a niche as a space in a columbarium used or intended for the placement of hydrolyzed or cremated remains. Minnesota Statutes 149A.02
- VA's National Cemetery Administration design guidance describes a columbarium as an above-grade structure for cremated remains in niches, usually two-sided with numbered rows and columns. VA National Cemetery Administration, Cemetery Components, Columbarium and In-Ground Cremain Burials
- The same VA guidance says the function of a columbarium is to provide an above-grade structure for the cremated remains of a veteran and a dependent, with each niche accepting a standard VA niche cover. VA National Cemetery Administration, Cemetery Components, Columbarium and In-Ground Cremain Burials
- VA says bronze niche markers are available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. VA National Cemetery Administration, Burial and Memorial Benefits
- Indiana law requires the remains of people who die in or are shipped into Indiana to be deposited in an established cemetery, a mausoleum, a garden crypt or a columbarium. Indiana Code 23-14-54-1
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