Religious Land Use and Zoning Blogs
Churches and other religious institutions are protected from discrimination by municipalities and other local government bodies by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, better known as RLUIPA. This blog by the national leaders in religious land use and zoning law highlights RLUIPA case studies and includes commentary on related news for church leaders and others throughout the country, as well as explanations of components of the RLUIPA law.
Religious land use win establishes precedent that local governments cannot deny a religious use based on its determination of what a Church is
Irish Oaks is a non-denominational Christian church founded by a group of friends in rural Lapeer County. These friends were interested in developing their relationship with God but felt out of place in traditional, formal churches. So they decided to form their own church with […]
Read MoreEight Things To Know About Buying and Selling Waterfront Property
Owning waterfront land is not easy. Depending on the state you live in, the land that’s adjacent to a body of water normally carries with it certain rights relative to that body of water. Although water rights may vary according to federal, state and local law […]
Read MoreHome Churches and Wedding Ministries: a RLUIPA win in central Oregon
Central Oregon is truly beautiful. Among the varying landscapes, the interesting cities, the Cascade Mountains and the beauty of Mt. Hood is a little city in the center of the state called Sisters. Our clients, John & Stephanie Shepherd have lived in Sisters for many […]
Read MorePregnancy Centers Win Supreme Court Free Speech Case
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the free speech rights of pro-life pregnancy centers in NIFLA v. Becerra, a case involving California’s effort to force these centers to notify women of the availability of state subsidized abortion services. Having written an amicus brief in support […]
Read MoreHow to Select an Attorney for a RLUIPA / Religious Land Use Case
Religious leaders who are unable to use a building or land they purchased because of a land use or zoning issue can easily become frustrated. Picking the right attorney to help navigate the process for what happens next is a critical decision. Not every attorney […]
Read MoreReligious liberty champion attorney Noel W. Sterett joins Dalton & Tomich, PLC, opens Illinois office
Sterett has successfully defended the rights of congregations across the country, recently co-authored guide to help church leaders navigate RLUIPA, land use litigation process Attorney Noel W. Sterett has joined the law firm Dalton & Tomich, PLC. Sterett focuses his practice on the defense of […]
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Supreme Court Reaffirms Religious Liberty Protections in Cake Case; Decision Underscores Importance of RLUIPA and State RFRA’s
This morning the United States Supreme Court, by a 7-2 vote in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, reaffirmed “the First Amendment’s guarantee that our laws be applied in a manner that is neutral toward religion.” The case involves a Colorado baker, Jack Phillips, who declined on […]
Read MoreDaniel P. Dalton recognized for excellence in land use litigation by America’s Top 100 Attorneys
Religious land use attorney Daniel P. Dalton of Dalton & Tomich, PLC has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement selection to America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. Dan is the nation’s preeminent expert in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act, also known as RLUIPA. He […]
Read MoreThe 2018 Land Use Institute, April 19-20, 2018 in Detroit, MI.
The law firm of Dalton & Tomich, PLC is proud to announce that it is partnering with the ABA Land Use Institute as a presenting sponsor for its 2018 conference at the University of Detroit School of Law on April 19-20, 2018. Daniel Dalton will […]
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RLUIPA Land Use Trial Outcomes
Have you ever wondered how many RLUIPA land use cases have occurred since Congress unanimously passed the law (the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act) in 2000? Are you curious about the outcomes? Recently, we were asked to provide a Court with a list […]
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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