Top 10 Things Churches (and mosques) Need to Know About Zoning

[dkf]

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2008/summer/4.40.html

Zoning laws can prevent your congregation (whether by lease or purchase) from using land or buildings in many areas. They can also prevent you from expanding current facilities.

Include a "zoning contingency clause" in any real estate contract to protect your congregation from a financial loss if permission to rezone the property is not obtained by authorities.

Check zoning laws in advance. If you plan to purchase land or expand your present facilities, check with municipal officials before you shop.

Get legal advice from a lawyer well-informed about zoning and real estate issues.

Spiritual warfare can be a factor. If your church is building the kingdom of God, be prepared for opposition. Such battles are not won with lawyers, realtors, or money, but with prayer, fasting, discernment, gentleness, and patience.

Spiritual warfare isn't always the main factor. Don't over-spiritualize the battles or demonize those opposed to you. Neighbors worried about traffic, parking, lighting, or drainage may have legitimate concerns.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Still upset by the mosque, aren't you?

I don't think zoning laws applied, because they cleared all the legal hurdles.

[dkf]

4. Zoning laws are the ways to regulate where churches/mosques are located.

Even Christian churches get grief from the community. It is not unique to Mosques.

[beyurslf]

2. No, silly. Churches are only for Christians and those laws don't apply to those who are hell-bound.

:)

[uppityperson]

3. Do you seriously think they come to Du for this info?

[dkf]

5. No they don't but public outcry against churches are probably more common than mosques

Since there are more churches built than Mosques.

Well I fully expect DU to back all churches to demonstrate our love of religious freedom. I hear there is a synagogue still waiting for zoning since before the Mosque land was bought.