Church bingo is legal in California, but only under strict rules. Learn the licensing requirements under Penal Code §326.5 and how bingo activity can affect your church’s property tax exemption.
By way of an introduction, we are a father-and-son California Real Estate team, having offices in both northern and southern California, working nearly exclusively for and with churches as their church real estate broker for over forty (40) years. We focus on nearly all matters concerning Church Real Estate, including religious, nonprofit, and tax-exempt organizations with the highest spiritual and ethical standards. Over decades of carving out a name for ourselves amongst church groups, we found a niche by locating and/or uniting church property buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. Along the […]
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials for its heat resistance and durability. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is still present in many structures and is still used in some industrial processes and commercially available products. Cal/OSHA:The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health is a state agency responsible for ensuring workplace safety and health in California. Its primary mission is to promote and enforce occupational […]
California land trusts let property owners transfer real estate to a trustee for privacy, asset protection, and easier estate planning — without giving up the right to use or benefit from the property.
The key steps to forming a church in California: choosing a legal structure, filing Articles of Incorporation, drafting bylaws, and securing tax-exempt status.
The California Housing Accountability Act (“HAA”): Also known as the “anti-NIMBY law,” is a state law that was enacted in 1982 to help promote the development of new housing and combat local resistance to new housing projects. The HAA establishes that cities and counties in California must approve housing developments that meet certain zoning and planning requirements unless the proposed development would have a specific, adverse impact on public health, safety, or welfare. The law requires cities and counties to provide a comprehensive set of procedures for the processing and […]
A conflict of interest refers to a situation where an individual or entity has competing interests or obligations that could potentially compromise their impartiality, objectivity, or ability to make decisions in the best interest of another party. It occurs when personal, financial, professional, or other interests conflict with the duties, responsibilities, or obligations the person or entity holds. Types of Conflicts: Conflicts of interest can undermine trust, transparency, and fairness in decision-making processes. Organizations and individuals often establish conflict of interest policies and procedures to identify, disclose, and manage conflicts […]
Occasionally, we work with a church that has its private cemetery dedicated on its property and is looking to sell. Although not always the case, these cemeteries usually consist of cremated remains. Public vs. Private:Most people know a cemetery when they see one, but the California Health and Safety Code defines a Cemetery as either of the following: Ownership Transfers:When transferring ownership of a private cemetery, fifty percent or more, the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau in the Department of Consumer Affairs must be notified and provided with the name and […]
Most Letters of Intent say they aren’t binding — but California courts don’t always agree. Here’s what actually determines whether a Letter of Intent can be enforced against your church, and how to protect yourself before you sign.
Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures equal access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in public places, including places of worship. As a general principle, service animals are permitted in public places such as restaurants, stores, and hotels as service animals are exempt from locations with no-pets policies. In some instances, a service animal may be excluded if it is not under control, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or is not housebroken. However, such exclusions are […]
