Church Bingo: A Guide to Regulations, Licensing, and Tax Exemptions

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

In California, organizations, including churches, are generally required to obtain a license to conduct Church bingo games. To host bingo games legally in California, your church will likely need to apply for a bingo license from the California Department of Justice’s Division of Gambling Control. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a license can vary, so it’s important to consult the Division of Gambling Control or legal counsel familiar with California gaming laws for guidance. The Attorney General’s Guide to Charitable Bingo Operations As per the Attorney General’s Guide […]

Why Use Bushore Church Real Estate

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 with their real estate needs 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 way, […]

Asbestos

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 […]

Subdivision Map Act

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

Simply put, the California Subdivision Map Act (“SMA”)is a law that regulates the division of land into smaller parcels for the purpose of development. The Act applies to all subdivisions of land in California, whether the parcels are created for residential, commercial, or industrial development. In General:Under the SMA, any proposed subdivision of land must be approved by the local government, usually the city or county, before development can occur. The Act requires developers to prepare a tentative map that shows the proposed layout of the subdivision, including the location […]

California Land Trust

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

In California, a land trust refers to a legal arrangement where real estate property is transferred to a trust for management and administration. Land trusts in California are typically established for purposes such as privacy, asset protection, and estate planning. When a property is placed into a land trust, legal title to the property is held by the trustee of the land trust, who manages the property on behalf of the beneficiary. The beneficiary retains all of the benefits of owning the property, such as the right to occupy or […]

The Basics of Church Formation

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

Forming a church in California involves more than defining your purpose and beliefs. To so do correctly and legally to avoid potential tax consequences, there are several steps to be taken. Although every situation is different, what follows is a basic approach. Legal Structure:Once you have a clearly articulated purpose and beliefs of your church, whether nondenominational or part of a larger organization, you must determine an operational structure. An Unincorporated Association is generally simple and flexible but offers less liability protection and are generally not eligible for federal tax-exempt […]

California Housing Crisis – Builder’s Remedy

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 […]

Conflict of Interest Policy

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 […]

Private Cemeteries

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 […]

Service Animals

Church Real Estate, Exemption, Legal Description, Lot Line, Parcel, Property tax, Real Property, Subdivision

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 […]

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