1. 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.
|
|
2. 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.
3. Check zoning laws in advance. If you plan to purchase land or expand your present facilities, check with municipal officials before you shop.
4. Get legal advice from a lawyer well-informed about zoning and real estate issues.
John Mauck is a Chicago civil rights attorney with Mauck & Baker, LLC (www.mauckbaker.com), concentrating on zoning law. He helped write RLUIPA.
