Land Use and Zoning
The Ownership of Church Property
Denominational Trust Clauses and Civil Litigation Within the past decade, there has been a surge of litigation concerning the ownership of property as it relates to a local church. Local congregations are faced with the unfortunate choice of leaving a denomination and dispensing with the […]
Read MoreDalton & Tomich Secures Settlement for Mississippi Christian-Based Recovery Facility
Dalton & Tomich attorneys have helped secure a legal settlement that allows their client, a non-profit recovery center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to provide long-term housing for single mothers recovering from addiction. Lighthouse Rescue Mission provides housing, treatment, and Christian-based religious services to single mothers who […]
Read MoreSeventh Circuit: No RLUIPA Violation for Rejecting Bible Camp’s Zoning Requests
A recent decision from the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals found that a Wisconsin town did not violate RLUIPA when it refused to allow a year-round Bible camp to operate in a single-family residential area. In Eagle Cove Camp & Conference Center, Inc. v. Town […]
Read MoreExplaining the litigation process – what to expect when filing a land use lawsuit in Federal Court
Getting involved in a lawsuit is a time consuming, frustrating and often confusing process. The court system is not viewed as being “user friendly,” and the terminology, forms and what seem to be “picky” rules are often viewed as traps rather than a means of […]
Read MoreImmunity issues with RLUIPA and other Federal Constitutional claims
A recent decision in Muslim Community Association v. Pittsfield, Township, Case No. 12-10893 (May 22, 2013) (US DC ED SD Mich) (Duggan, J.) addresses the interesting issue of absolute legislative and qualified immunity of elected officials in the context of religious land use case. By […]
Read MoreFederal Bar Webinar on Religious Land Use and Zoning (RLUIPA)
Interested in learing more about religious land use and zoning? Dan Dalton will be presenting a webinar for the Federal Bar Association on the topic. Click here to register and learn more: http://www.benchmarkemail.com/c/v?e=2E2CE9&c=39A70&l=2093167&email=JuzqispEhFg0xCa5R4MLiXeq%2BwoAh5FONyIeD9VsXLU%3D&relid=C6EC15A
Read MoreSpeaking about Land Use and Zoning
In the past five days, I have been in Nashville, Tennessee and Scottsdale, Arizona speaking to attorneys about land use and zoning litigation. In general, most attorneys who practice in this area of the law have seen a modest upswing in development from both a […]
Read MoreResolution of the San Diego RLUIPA / Religious Land Use and Zoning Case
The final chapter has been written and the story has ended with the City of San Diego finalizing the settlement between itself and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace this past week. Several news organizations have taken an indepth review of the case and […]
Read MoreCity of San Diego settles RLUIPA lawsuit with Academy of Our Lady of Peace,
As reported in today's San Diego Tribune and San Diego Reader the City of San Diego has dropped its opposition to the modernization plan of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. The settlement combines cash payment, permits and relocation of homes The Academy of […]
Read MoreWho can file a RLUIPA case?
The US District Court for the District of Maine recently affirmed the decision of a magistrate judge which granted the dismissal of a claim brought under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). In Cassidy v. City of Brewer, Plaintiff apparently was a […]
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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