Attorneys for
Churches
Religious Schools
Mosques
Temples
Synagogues
Has your religious institution been blindsided by restrictive zoning and land use regulations? We can help.
Click your organization type above to learn more about how we can help you and to find FREE GUIDES and resources on what protections you have under RLUIPA.
What is RLUIPA?
RLUIPA Law Services
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having purchased a building or land for your faith community only to find it is not zoned for religious assembly, you’re not alone. At Dalton & Tomich, we fight for religious organizations just like yours so that you can freely use your property for religious purposes.
If your local government has denied you the ability to use your land for religious assembly due to zoning issues, this is not the end of the road. You may have more rights than you think.
We have successfully defended the rights of religious institutions across the country who were unable to use their property due to unlawful zoning restrictions and land use regulations. We fight for your ability to serve your congregation and your community.
The land use attorneys at Dalton & Tomich help all faith communities navigate land use disputes and protect their rights under RLUIPA.
FREE GUIDE
Simple Process that Delivers Solutions
Our goal is not just to win cases but to remove the barriers that stand in the way of your ministry and religious mission. We want to take care of your land use issue in a way that allows you to focus on the good work you set out to do.
Land use and zoning matters can be very complex, but we try to simplify the process and accomplish your objectives.
1. Evaluate Goals
We want to understand your religious mission, vision, and values. We would like to know what your faith community needs and what legal issues are standing in its way.
2. Recommendations on the Best Way to Proceed
We will determine if you need to secure approval or denial from a local administrative body and make recommendations as to how to proceed within the local community’s administrative processes. These recommendations will be rooted in our experience successfully navigating local procedures and land use approval processes on behalf of churches and other religious entities across the nation.
There are many potential scenarios, and our team will help you consider all your options when crafting our approach.
3. Secure Expert Witnesses and Evidence
We can help you secure expert witnesses in planning, zoning, traffic, or any other necessary field to support your zoning application or lawsuit. In some cases, we may recommend retaining a public relations specialist.
4. Suit Preparation and Finalization
After we have all the facts and evidence ready to proceed with your land use or zoning case, we will file suit and seek immediate injunctive relief when possible.
From the Blog
The Intersection of Sacred Spaces and Civil Statutes: Why I’m Returning to...
All Peoples Church prevails in a CEQA challenge in California: Lessons in...
Lessons in Liberty: Daniel Dalton Provides RLUIPA Training to Brunswick Officials
My Religion, My Beliefs
When Is the Time to Bring a RLUIPA Lawsuit?
Navigating the Sacred and the Secular: RLUIPA Zoning Trends in 2026
Tips for Oral Argument in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Oregon’s secular zoning laws are at odds with federal protections offered by...
Avoiding Common Pleading Pitfalls When Filing RLUIPA Complaints
Another Arrow in the Quiver: Tandon v. Newsom's Application to Religious Land...
The Intersection of Sacred Spaces and Civil Statutes: Why I’m Returning to...
All Peoples Church prevails in a CEQA challenge in California: Lessons in...
Lessons in Liberty: Daniel Dalton Provides RLUIPA Training to Brunswick Officials
My Religion, My Beliefs
When Is the Time to Bring a RLUIPA Lawsuit?
Navigating the Sacred and the Secular: RLUIPA Zoning Trends in 2026
Tips for Oral Argument in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Oregon’s secular zoning laws are at odds with federal protections offered by...
Avoiding Common Pleading Pitfalls When Filing RLUIPA Complaints
Another Arrow in the Quiver: Tandon v. Newsom's Application to Religious Land...
Our Videos
RLUIPA FAQs
RLUIPA is a federal civil rights law that protects religious institutions from discriminatory zoning and land-use regulations.
RLUIPA law protects churches, religious schools, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other faith-based organizations engaged in religious land use.
RLUIPA applies to zoning for religious entities, with respect to historic designations and zoning decisions, denied permits, zoning approval delays, and unequal treatment under zoning regulations.
You may pursue federal litigation under RLUIPA law services to challenge discriminatory zoning decisions.
A substantial burden occurs when zoning regulations significantly interfere with a religious institution’s ability to use property for religious exercise.
It means religious institutions must be treated at least as favorably as similarly situated nonreligious uses under zoning and land use laws.
Injunctive relief (securing the zoning approval); money damages for economic and non-economic losses, and attorney fees and cost.
Yes. Dalton & Tomich represents religious institutions nationwide in RLUIPA and religious land-use litigation.
