(a) The provisions of this Article shall apply to all persons engaged in the business of operating a cemetery as defined herein, except cemeteries owned and operated by governmental agencies or churches.(b) Any cemetery beneficially owned and operated by a fraternal organization or its corporate agent for at least 50 years prior to September 1, 1975, shall be exempt from the provisions of Article 9 of this Chapter.(c) The provisions of this Article shall not apply to persons licensed under Article 13D of Chapter 90 of the General Statutes when engaging in activities for which a license is required under the Article.(d) Expired January 23, 2015.(e) A columbarium built in compliance with the requirements of former subsection (d) of this section is not subject to the provisions of Article 9 of this Chapter on or after January 23, 2015, as long as the columbarium (i) continues to exist on the grounds of a private, self-contained retirement community and (ii) continues to be reserved exclusively for the residents of that community.Amended by 2014 N.C. Sess. Laws 115,s. 39.3-a, eff. 1/23/2015.Amended by 2013 N.C. Sess. Laws 335,s. 1, eff. 7/22/2013, exp. 1/22/2015. 1975, c. 768, s. 1; 1977, c. 686, s. 1; 1995, c. 509, s. 135.1 (i) .