Is it possible to bury an urn outside the cemetery?
In Tyrol, burial in a cemetery is mandatory. In addition to traditional forms of burial (in an earth grave or in an urn niche), the cemeteries of the provincial capital of Innsbruck also offer new options for urn burial, such as the tree grave at the Ostfriedhof cemetery. Further information can be obtained from Service Unit Cemeteries....
However, under certain conditions, authorisation for the burial of an urn outside a cemetery can also be applied for.
What are the requirements for authorisation?
The will of the deceased person is decisive. It must be made credible in the proceedings that the deceased person wanted to be buried outside a cemetery. However, if it is the wish of the bereaved, no authorisation can be granted under current legislation.
If there is no written instruction from the deceased person, you will need other credible evidence: for example, a written signed witness statement from relatives about the expressed wish. A reference to the expressed wish in the reasons for the application alone is not sufficient.
This written witness statement (from at least 2 persons) can be made informally, but it must be clear which persons are involved (date of birth and/or exact address).
What forms of burial are possible outside the cemetery?
In principle, both burial and interment (especially in a flat) are possible. The exact location of the burial must be specified and documented, for example with a site plan or photos.
In the case of burial in the ground , the cinerary urn remains on the property. Burial takes place in a biodegradable urn in a grave with a minimum depth of 0.50 metres. Later removal is no longer possible.
A permanently sealed urn made of durable, unbreakable material is to be used for safekeeping . If the place of deposit is changed, you will require a new authorisation.
Where & how do I obtain authorisation for a burial outside the cemetery?
You must submit an application to the competent district administrative authority in whose area the plot on which the urn is to be buried is located.
The Service Unit Environmental law and land transactions is responsible for the district of Innsbruck-Stadt with the cadastral municipalities of Amras, Arzl, Hötting, Igls, Innsbruck, Mühlau, Pradl, Wilten and Vill.
What documents and information are required for authorisation?
- Name, date of birth and contact details of the authorised person
- Name, date of birth and contact details of the persons concerned
- Place of burial: plot number, cadastral district, plot address, plot owner:in
In the case of safekeeping, also precise designation of the place of safekeeping such as top number of the flat, floor, room and description of how and where the urn is kept in the room. - Justification within the meaning of § 41a of the Municipal Medical Services Act:
- The wishes of the deceased person must be substantiated
- Credible evidence of the authority to dispose of the urn
- Site plan with marking of the burial site (burial) or a comparable document showing or describing the specific burial site
- Declaration of consent from the landowner or, in the case of safekeeping, the declaration of consent from the owner of the flat or otherwise the person authorised to dispose of the location (if not identical to the applicant)
- written declaration of the deceased person during his/her lifetime or the credible demonstration of the presumed will of the deceased person to be buried outside a cemetery (by written witness declaration of 2 persons)