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.
The 5th Circuit establishes an Equal Terms test under RLUIPA
Yesterday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its decision in Elijah Group v. City of Leon Valley, Texas. This case has a significant impact on religious land use matters within the Fifth Circuit adn throughout the nation. Elijah Group, Inc. (“Church”) sued the City […]
Read MoreSupreme Court rules on Damages and RLUIPA
This past week, the United States Supreme Court issued its long awaited decision on RLUIPA and damages in the case of Sossamon v. Texas (08-1438). In a 6-2 decision, the majority determined that the phrase “appropriate relief” did not clearly advise states that damages were […]
Read MoreCommentary on the status of Religious Land Use in the United States.
The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich PLC were recently profiled and called on to discuss the status of RLUIPA and Religious Land Use in the Untied States. Read the article, here. http://www.legalnews.com/oakland/939570/ or below. More religious groups seeking land use resolution in court By Admin […]
Read MoreEqual Terms and RLUIPA
The second circuit was recently presented with issue of defining the equal terms provision of RLUIPA but chose not to given that it reached a conclusion to reverse the trial court on other grounds. Had it decided it would define the term, the Court would […]
Read MoreTemples, Churches and Other Religious Organizations Win Civil Rights Lawsuits Against Local Communities
Bloomfield Hills, MICH. – A Hindu faith community based near Philadelphia is among the latest in a trend toward growing numbers of religious organizations successfully defending constitutionally granted civil rights in a land use case against a United States municipality. The Adhi Parasakthi Charitable, Medical, […]
Read MoreBreaking News: the 9th Circuit Finds a City Zoning Scheme Creates a Substantial Burden
In a published opinion released just hours ago, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals released its decision in International Church of the Foresquare Gospel v. City of San Leandro, Case No. 09-15163 where the Court reversed the decision of the lower court who granted summary […]
Read MoreThe Equal Terms Provision of RLUIPA
Congress provided a separate section of RLUIPA, known as the “equal terms” provision at 42 USC 15 2000cc-(b)(1), which provides that: “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that treats a religious assembly or institution on less than equal […]
Read MoreSo What is a “Substantial Burden” Within RLUIPA?
The term “substantial burden” in RLUIPA has confused and divided lower courts since it first appeared in the Act
Read MoreRLUIPA and the “Effective Exclusions” of Religious Uses through Zoning
One recent trend in religious land use issues that we have found is when a community effectively excludes a religious use through zoning. The typical scenario occurs when a community permits zoning in a district knowing that there is no land available to build a […]
Read MoreUnderstanding RLUIPA
RLUIPA, passed by a unanimous Congress in 2000 and signed into law by President Clinton, was proposed and enacted by Congress in response to actions taken by local government to exclude houses of worship within communities.
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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