Author Archive
What if My Zoning Request is Denied?
Religious land use attorney and author Daniel P. Dalton explains the options available to religious entities after the planning commission has denied a zoning request. This includes reviewing the zoning code to determine whether the planning commission decision is final, the appeals process and possible […]
Read MoreWhat is a Conditional Use Permit?
Attorney and author Daniel P. Dalton explains the different types of land uses that leaders of churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other entities may encounter in religious land use cases. Dalton answers the common question “What is a conditional use permit?” and also addresses permitted […]
Read MoreThe Cost of RLUIPA: The Time and Expenses of a Typical Religious Land Use Case
Nationally recognized religious land use attorney and author Daniel P. Dalton answers one of the most common questions he receives from prospective clients: How much time and money will this cost? Dan discusses parameters for timelines and costs in cases involving the Religious Land Use […]
Read MoreWhat is RLUIPA? The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act is explained by Daniel P. Dalton, one of the nation’s most experienced attorneys in representing, churches, mosques, temples and other religious institutions in religious land use and zoning cases. Read more about religious land use and […]
Read MoreRLUIPA Mosque Case: American Islamic Community Center vs. City of Sterling Heights, Michigan
The successful RLUIPA mosque land use and zoning case involving the American Islamic Community Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan is discussed by attorney Daniel P. Dalton. Dalton is one of the nation’s most experienced attorneys in representing mosques, churches, temples and other religious institutions in […]
Read MoreTiny Houses and Religious Land Use
Recently, the Detroit News and the Nashville Tennessean profiled the recent phenomenon of tiny houses that are being built for the homeless population by religious institutions in Detroit, Michigan and Nashville, Tennessee. Built at a fraction of the cost of a new home, and primarily […]
Read MoreReligious Land Use Litigation – It’s more than another case
This past Friday I attended services at the Church I grew up and attended for nearly 30 years. This is the place where I was baptized, confirmed, attended eight years of elementary school then four years of high school at an affiliated school, was married […]
Read MoreA RLUIPA Win: The American Islamic Community Center will build a Mosque in Sterling Heights, Michigan
As reported in the New York Times, in a significant win for the Muslim community in Detroit, and for religious freedom throughout the United States, the American Islamic Community Center (“AICC”) has settled its lawsuit with the City of Sterling Heights. The AICC brought a […]
Read MoreA RLUIPA WIN: North Jersey Vineyard Church v. South Hackensack Township, New Jersey.
The North Jersey Vineyard Church is pleased to announce that it has settled its lawsuit with the Township of South Hackensack, New Jersey resulting in the Township approving its site plan, allowing it to use its building at 310 Phillips for religious assembly and paying […]
Read MoreSpeaking about RLUIPA at the 34th Annual ALI Land Use Conference in San Diego
I am pleased to announce that I will be speaking at the ALI Land Use Conference in San Diego, California this week on Religious Land Use and Eminent Domain. This renowned program will be held on January 26-28, 2017 at the Westin San Diego, and […]
Read MoreAbout Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
Read MoreKen KalbachElder, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Lenox, GA
Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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