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.
Dalton speaking at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Houston, TX on RLUIPA
We are pleased to report that Daniel Dalton will be speaking and moderating a panel discussion on Religious Land Use adn Zoning at the American Bar Association's Midyear Meeting in Houston, Texas on February 5, 2015. The details are below: Join the Section of State […]
Read MoreDalton & Tomich Achieves Victory at Trial in Latest RLUIPA Case
On November 25, 2014, District Judge Timothy Corrigan from the Middle District of Florida ruled in favor of Church of Our Savior in its religious land use lawsuit against the City of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The Court held that the City violated RLUIPA’s Equal Terms […]
Read MoreProperty Trust Clauses Interpreted By Indiana Court of Appeals
A recent case out of the Indiana Court of Appeals addressed the issue of Trust Clauses. In Church of Brethren South/Central Indiana District v. Roann Church of The Brethren, Inc., ___In. App ___ Nov. 17, 2014, the Court affirmed the lower court decision holding that […]
Read MoreWebinar on Litigating Religious Land Use and Zoning cases: November 6, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. e.s.t.
As noted in the RLUIPA defense blog, the State & Local Government Section of the American Bar Association is hosting a webinar “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases.” This webinar complements the book I wrote on the same topic that can be found here: https://www.attorneysforlanduse.com/litigating-rluipa-cases.html The […]
Read MoreThe status of the Church of Our Savior trial
Many of you have asked how the trial in Church of Our Savior v. Jacksonville Beach, Florida ended. The Court has taken the matter under advisement and we are waiting on a decision. By way of background, Church of Our Savior, a small Anglican congregation […]
Read MoreThe latest news on the Church of Our Savior case
As reported by Action News 38, here, http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/church-attorney-jacksonville-beach-changed-religio/nhN29/ Church attorney: Jacksonville Beach changed Religious Land Use Act on purpose before trial By Amanda Warford JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville Beach will head to federal court Wednesday to fight a lawsuit filed by […]
Read MoreCity Unjustly Zones Out Florida Church; Trial Begins Wednesday
ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM MEDIA ADVISORY September 16, 2014 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020 or www.adfmedia.org/home/contact City unjustly zones out Fla. church ADF-allied attorney available for comment each day of trial WHO: Alliance Defending Freedom allied attorney Daniel P. Dalton WHAT: […]
Read MoreDOJ Files RLUIPA Suit on Behalf on Minnesota Islamic Center
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a federal lawsuit against a Minnesota city, alleging the city violated RLUIPA when it denied the Abu Huraira Islamic Center’s (Abu Huraira) application for a conditional use permit to operate a worship facility in the basement of […]
Read MoreDetroit-based attorney writes book on RLUIPA, the religious land-use law
DETROIT, Mich. – Attorney Daniel Dalton, a founding partner of Dalton & Tomich, PLC, today announced the release of his new book published by the American Bar Association. “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases” examines and discusses the continually evolving area of religious land use and […]
Read MoreRLUIPA, Land Use and the Hobby Lobby decision
It is always a significant event in the legal community when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) makes a ruling on a case. Lawyers all across the country pack into the courthouse or watch online as the opinions are handed down. Often, the […]
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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