What if My Zoning Request is Denied?
Religious land use attorney and author Daniel P. Dalton explains the options available to religious entities after the planning commission has denied a zoning request. This includes reviewing the zoning code to determine whether the planning commission decision is final, the appeals process and possible federal litigation. Dalton’s clients include churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other religious organizations across the country who have experienced zoning request denials and other land use issues. He is the nation’s preeminent expert on RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act. RLUIPA case studies and additional religious land use resources are available on the RLUIPA resources page of www.attorneysforlanduse.com. Contact Dalton directly at 313.859.6000 or ddalton@daltontomich.com.
About 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 […]
Read More
Comments:
Austin
Hey Dan,
Thanks for the video. I’m just curious how hard it is to get a conditional use permit for a religious facility? I’ve done many appraisals on religious facilities in the past and they are almost always in a zoning district that doesn’t allow for them without a conditional use permit.
Thanks,
Austin
Daniel P. Dalton
Hi Austin,
Thank you for your comment. The answer to your question is “it depends.” It truly depends on the state in which you are located, the particular municipality and the zoning district involved. These are fact-intensive matters that required specific analysis to answer the question. Please contact me to discuss your specific inquiry.
Thanks,
Dan
Austin
Interesting, thanks! I don’t have a specific property in mind, I was just curious.