While many people let common sense and good judgment be their guides — scattering ashes under a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy — it’s wise to know the state laws. Casting is the act of scattering the ashes into the air. Before the ceremony can begin, you must get a permit from the branch of the California Department of Health located within the county where you plan to scatter the ashes. Davis holds a bachelor's degree in English from Purdue University. Starting at $49, the Eco Scattering Urn is an affordable option for most families. It also says that it is legal to scatter ashes in any place public place where no other policies exist. This urn comes in four sizes and is commonly used in scatterings at sea or on land. Except with the express written permission of the person with the right to control disposition of the remains, the law prohibits commingling cremated remains prior to … Only materials that decompose are allowed in sea burials. You may not leave any monument, cairn, or other marker at the site. Scattering a loved one’s ashes can bring comfort to family and friends at a time of strong emotions and grief. Most states require you to be 3 miles off the coast. When a loved one or pet passes, many families choose to scatter their ashes at a special place or meaningful location. However, there's plenty of people who choose scattering on land at parks or other areas of natural beauty. In addition, it is always advised to use common sense when scattering and be respectful and courteous to others (do not scatter on crowded trails, on walkways, etc.). Before the ceremony can begin, you must get a permit from the branch of the California Department of Health located within the county where you plan to scatter the ashes. The options — both legal and illegal — are endless. This can be as formal or informal as you wish and can be a great way to honor a loved one in a special way. The person who will handle the ashes during the scattering must be identified. At A Journey With Wings, we scatter cremated remains by airplane. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you can do so generally and at all times, within regulation and with permission. The ashes can be scattered over locations that are not regulated by local ordinances, but you must have permission from the property owner first. Nearly 40 million people call California home and its GDP is about $2.7 trillion (making the state the 5th largest economy in the world!). California also allows us to scatter over inland navigable waters. Many choose to bury or scatter cremated ashes at home in the garden, or at beloved beaches, national parks, or overlooks. These protections include licenses, permits and notifications that take place before and after the process. This is called a Permit for Disposition. There’s an overwhelming list of choices, and the best thing you can do is educate yourself about what is available. California is an amazing state that boasts over eight hundred miles of picturesque coastline, snow-capped mountains, and pristine desert. It’s always legal to scatter ashes in the ocean, but there are regulations that apply that you’ll need to follow. Scattering at sea is only possible once you are 500 yards from the shore. You may not bury human ashes. There are many different ways to honor loved ones while scattering their ashes. You cannot choose just any location for spreading the ashes. In California, you may scatter ashes in a cemetery per the location’s regulations or in any area where permission has been granted by the property owner or government agency for public grounds. Few people realize that laws exist to regulate the spreading of ashes after a loved one is cremated. If you want to scatter ashes on private land, you need permission from the landowners, and for public land, you should contact the local council or other authorities. In addition, state and national parks each have their own rules and guidelines to follow - if you plan on scattering at one of these locations it is important to first check to find out if there are any forms that you need to fill out or other special requirements that need to be met before scattering. If you’re in a relatively private area and don’t scatter the ashes in a place where they are likely to wash ashore and disturb other people, it’s unlikely that you would be arrested or … People are permitted to scatter in California where no local prohibition exists and with written permission of the governing agency or property owner (if it’s not property you own). Very often people choose to scatter ashes in a location that was special to their loved one, […] Below we’ve highlighted some of the more popular ones: In addition to California state laws (which can be found at www.cfb.ca.gov/consumer/funeral.shtml), it is recommended to also check if there are any local city or county regulations where you plan on scattering. California allows you to dispose of cremated remains by: placing them in a columbarium or mausoleum It is illegal to do it, and you can get kicked out of the park if you are caught, but that does not stop thousands of people from trying every year anyway. However, there are some important points you need to consider if you are planning on scattering a loved one’s cremation ashes. Some states, such as California, do permit it as long as you’re 500 yards from shore. By contrast, California’s laws state that ashes may only be disposed of by scattering in a cemetery scattering garden, or scattering where there is no local prohibition and with written permission of the property owner or governing agency. You also have the option to scatter ashes at many memorial parks, offering the best of both worlds. If you're interested in learning more about cremation and the cost breakdown of what products or services can be included, click here. Burial at Sea Charters. Scattering ashes over lakes and streams is governed by local ordinances. California Laws on Storing and Scattering Ashes. That means that we can scatter cremated remains in San Francisco Bay. Scattering ashes on the park grounds is permitted in Mount Tamalpais State Park, as long as permission is granted by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. These facilities often offer scattering services performed by the licensed personnel to take the planning burden off the family. Others want to scatter their loved one’s ashes at their favorite stadiums, golf courses, roller coasters, or even have the ashes shot into space. If you are scattering the ashes on another person's grave, such as a friend or relative, ask the immediate family of that person for permission first. Scatter in a secluded area, ideally away from other people and avoiding the main pathways. It is common to scatter ashes at cemeteries that provide scattering gardens. This is our fourth edition of state rules and regulations related to storing and scattering ashes of a loved one. In California, certain laws do exist when it comes to scattering ashes. But where can you scatter ashes? A Journey With Wings specializes in scattering ashes at sea in California. Private Property – In the UK, you are permitted to scatter ashes on any piece of private property, providing that you have the permission of the land’s owner. All of the major harbors in California have boating services that can take you and family/friends out the proper distance from shore to do the scattering. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. California legal codes state that the ashes must be removed from the container before scattering, and must be distributed so that passersby will not be disturbed after the ceremony by the remains. Ashes must be taken out of their container and scattered into the ground so they are not visible. San Diego, California Scattering Remains in the San Diego Area. Davis also authored the book, "Michigan City Marinas," which covers the history of the Michigan City Port Authority. 2. This can include having a tree burial with The Living Urn, having some of the ashes included in a piece of jewelry, bury the ashes at a special place with a biodegradable burial urn, or having a portion of the ashes infused into a decorative glass piece, among other options. However, choosing the right location is important as a lasting memory in the future. Jonita Davis is freelance writer and marketing consultant. The law on scattering ashes in the UK is fairly relaxed. San Diego's most popular place to scatter cremated remains is the ocean. You are allowed to scatter ashes from the air on a plane or from a boat Anything placed in the water must be able to biodegrade in a marine environment. How to scatter ashes safely. It is legal to scatter ashes in many areas in the Unites States. However, you must notify them of a sea burial within 30 days after the ceremony. California’s laws about dealing with ashes are the strictest in the nation. In fact, it is our most popular service. However, there are some regulations that need to be taken into account when arranging an ash scattering at sea service. Place before and after the process licenses from the EPA before you can do is educate yourself what... 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