Zoning laws don’t disappear just because a church has used its property the same way for years. Here’s how zoning code affects church property, nonconforming use, conditional permits, and RLUIPA protections actually work together — and what happens when a city tries to push a church out.
Whether there is a change in the use of the property regarding zoning or code variance, a redevelopment of the structures such as the construction of residential units such as a Planned Development, the need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit and/or meeting other governmental land use requirements, it often becomes necessary for a governmental public hearing to be held. In its most simplistic terms, a public hearing is an open gathering of officials and citizens, wherein citizens are permitted to offer testimony or comment before significant decisions are […]
Commercial tenant abandoned property California law changed in 2019, raising the threshold for what a landlord can simply keep or dispose of without a public sale. Here’s the current process, notice requirements, and how to avoid liability for a tenant’s leftover belongings.
Restricted donations bind a church to spend the gift exactly as the donor intended — spend it elsewhere and you risk a breach of fiduciary duty claim. Here’s how to tell a restricted gift from an unrestricted one, and the only lawful ways to change course.
It is probably fair to say they nearly every religious service plays music or sings songs that they did not write. In today’s digital world, information can be obtained from the internet such as music, lyrics, graphics, and pictures with ease. In doing so, few if any think of the possible ramifications of infringing upon the copyrights of another. What follows is a brief synopsis of the rules of law which pertain to the use of copyrighted materials during church services and may not apply to Sunday School or other […]
CReal property fraud can cost a church hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single wired transaction. Here’s how wire fraud, mortgage fraud, and title schemes actually work, based on FBI and FTC warnings, and the signs that mean you’re already a target.
Security deposits in a commercial lease work nothing like residential ones — no caps on the amount, no automatic accounting requirement, and different refund deadlines depending on why the landlord is keeping part of it. Here’s what actually applies.
Premises trespasser liability doesn’t stop at your church’s front gate — California law can hold a church responsible for injuries to trespassers, off-site pedestrians, and everyone in between. Here’s what the law actually requires, and the practical steps that reduce your risk.
600 MHz wireless microphone band regulations have changed significantly in recent years, and understanding these FCC rules is essential for anyone using wireless audio equipment. The FCC has issued new rules which take effect on July 13, 2020, that will require you to cease the use of wireless microphones that operate in the 600 MHz service band. This may result in some equipment changes for churches, schools, and other users of such devices. Background: To meet the increasing demand for wireless broadband services nationwide, the FCC recently auctioned spectrum that […]
A small error in a deed’s Grantee name can cloud your church’s title for years. Learn how incorrect deeds happen and why it matters when selling or financing your property.
