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.
In the very near future, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Sossamon v. Texas, (Docket No. 08-1438, cert. granted 5/24/2010)
Read MoreOn Friday October 15, 2010, Boulder County filed an application for leave to appeal to the United States Supreme Court of the decision of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, who, affirmed a jury verdict and the entry of a permanent injunction for the Church […]
Read MoreLast week, in conjunction with the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the passage of the RLUIPA, the Department of Justice prepared a timely report on the Tenth Anniversary of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and frequently asked questions with an answer […]
Read MoreIn Arnold v. Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Bd. Of Adjustment, No. 2008-CA-001850-MR, 2010 WL 668664 (Ky. App. Feb. 26, 2010), plaintiffs appealed the Circuit Court’s opinion and order affirming the determination of the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Board of Adjustment granting a conditional land use permit to the Versailles […]
Read MoreSince January, 2010, I have flown 30256 around the United States helping religious entities in religious land use disputes. And this weekend I was reminded why RLUIPA matters at the Becket Funds’ Annual Dinner for Religious Freedom.
Read MoreIn a unanimous decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a jury verdict, finding that sufficient evidence was presented at trial to justify the jury’s determination that the denial of the Church’s special use application violated the equal terms provision of the Religious Land […]
Read MoreIn reaction to the loss of several important buildings within larger metropolitan areas in the 1950’s, communities throughout the nation began grassroots efforts aimed at providing a legal mechanism to protect local significant historic resources.
Read MoreCarlinville Southern Baptist Church, located in Carlinville, Illinois thought how blessed it was when it purchased a former Wal-Mart store in early 2008 to have a home. The Church had worshiped in its building for several years prior, but grew rapidly to the point that […]
Read MoreIf your religious organization is considering a RLUIPA challenge to local zoning laws, it should consider the following actions before filing a lawsuit.
Read MoreOne of the most vexing questions in land use law is the flawed doctrine of ripeness with respect to religious land use claims. The issue is extremely important as it affects the issue of when a lawsuit can be filed.
Read MoreIn 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 MoreDalton & 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 MoreThe 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 MoreDalton & 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 MoreDalton & 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 MoreDalton & 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 MoreI 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 MoreMr. 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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