Preventing Mechanic’s Liens

Legal GuidesCivil Code, Construction, contractor, Mechanic's Lien, Notice of Completion, Preliminary Notice

How churches and property owners can prevent mechanic’s liens through contractor vetting, Preliminary 20-Day Notices, joint checks, and conditional/unconditional lien releases.

Subdivision Map Act: California’s Land Division Requirements

Property & Land UseCalifornia, Land Division, Parcel Map, Subdivision Map Act, Tentative Map

The Subdivision Map Act sets the rules for dividing land in California — including a shorter parcel map path most articles leave out. Here’s how tentative maps, final maps, and parcel maps actually work.

Church’s and the Attorney General

Church Formation & GovernanceAttorney General, Church Governance, Dissolution, Nonprofit Corporation, Raffles

When a church needs Attorney General approval for a merger, asset sale, or dissolution, and what recent regulatory changes mean for that process.

Galvanized Plumbing

Church Safety & ComplianceChurch Maintenance, Disclosure, Galvanized Plumbing, Property Inspection

How long galvanized plumbing actually lasts, the real source of the lead risk, and why it matters for property disclosures during a church sale.

Forming a Non-Profit: 7 Steps to Start Your Organization

Church Formation & Governance501(c)(3), Articles of Incorporation, Church Formation, IRS, Nonprofit Formation

Forming a non-profit is easier with a clear plan. Learn the essential steps, filings, and legal requirements to start a compliant nonprofit organization.

What Happens to Church Property When a Church Closes?

Church Formation & GovernanceAttorney General, Church Closure, Church property, Dedication of Assets, Dissolution, Nonprofit, Religious Corporation

When a congregation winds down, one question dominates: what happens to church property when a church closes? California law is strict — the building and money can’t be handed to members. Here’s who decides, where the assets go, and the Attorney General’s role.

SB 1454 Church Security Requirements

Church Safety & ComplianceBSIS, Church Security, SB 1454, Security Officer, Soft Target

SB 1454 church security requirements now apply to California ministries. Learn what triggers BSIS oversight and how to keep your team compliant.

Does Your Church Need to Apply for Tax-Exempt Status? A Decision Guide

Tax & Exemptions501(c)(3), California, Church Formation, Franchise Tax Board, IRS, Tax Exemption

Does your church need to apply for tax-exempt status? While churches qualify automatically under IRS Section 501(c)(3), California requires a separate application to the Franchise Tax Board. Without state recognition, your church remains a taxable entity under the Revenue and Taxation Code.

The California Mills Act

Tax & ExemptionsCalifornia, Historic Preservation, Historical Property, Mills Act, Property Tax Reduction

Enacted in 1972, the Mills Act encourages the preservation and maintenance of Qualified Historic Structures by reducing property taxes

Yearly Archives: 2025