Substantial Burden
Using RLUIPA when appearing before local planning and zoning boards
In the past several months, we have found that the strategic use of the Religious Land Use and institutionalized Persons Act (also known as RLUIPA) can be used to successfully persuade members of a Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Adjustment / Appeals to approve […]
Read MoreDefining “religious exercise” under RLUIPA
Today we had the opportunity to argue the parameters of RLUIPA before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Missouri in the case of St. John Vianney High School v. City of Kirkwood, Missouri. In this case, the City of Kirkwood approved the renovation […]
Read MoreHappy RLUIPA Day!
On this day 19 years ago, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, also known as RLUIPA. The law was passed by a unanimous Congress to enforce, by statutory right, four different constitutional prohibitions related to the development […]
Read MoreThe Cross Church – A RLUIPA Church Land Use Success Story
It was my honor to return to Carlinville, Illinois on Sunday, February 24, 2019 to worship at The Cross Church. A decade ago, we worked with the Church and resolved a case allowing it to develop a former Walmart Store into a Church. The once […]
Read MoreRacially Charged Religious Discrimination Prohibited Under RLUIPA
Although RLUIPA is mainly concerned with religious discrimination, racial animus towards a religious organization falls within the ambit of RLUIPA’s very broad protection. On February 7, 2019, the Fourth Circuit, citing the legislative history of RLUIPA, emphasized that “zoning board members or neighborhood residents explicitly offer race or […]
Read MoreNo Land Use Regulation, No RLUIPA Violation
As explained more thoroughly in “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases,” RLUIPA contains five claims under its broad statutory umbrella. And while each claim has distinct and separate elements, allclaims start with: “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation. . . .”[1]RLUIPA’s text […]
Read MoreA RLUIPA win in California: West Valley Christian Center v. City of Los Angeles, California
We are pleased to report that our client, West Valley Christian Center located in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles, has reached a tentative settlement in its religious land use case against the City of Los Angeles, California. Permits have issued, construction has commenced and […]
Read MoreHow a local Church won a religious land use / RLUIPA case and re-established a relationship with a local community
The Aspen Times reported today about the impact of a religious land use case litigated by Daniel Dalton a decade ago and the relationship between the church, Grace Church of the Roaring Fork, and Pitken County, Colorado. The story highlights the positive impact of the church […]
Read MoreRLUIPA Land Use Trial Outcomes
Have you ever wondered how many RLUIPA land use cases have occurred since Congress unanimously passed the law (the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act) in 2000? Are you curious about the outcomes? Recently, we were asked to provide a Court with a list […]
Read MoreThis Religious-Freedom Fight is Remaking America: RLUIPA in the Spotlight
There are churches all across America that have closed their doors or given up on their missions when they didn’t have to. And in many cases they did it just because they weren’t aware of a federal law that guaranteed their right to do exactly […]
Read MoreAbout Us
The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC have the experience and the knowledge to work with you to develop a legal solution that helps accomplish your goals. Our collaborative approach has helped leaders like you grow businesses and banks, develop and expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Our Practice Areas
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call us: 313.859.6000
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Detroit:The Chrysler House
719 Griswold Street, Suite 270
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Parking in Financial District Garage (730 Shelby Street, access via Lafayette and Shelby) -
Chicago:180 W. Washington St., Suite 400
Chicago IL 60602
312.235.6858 -
Rockford:401 W. State St., Suite 509
Rockford, IL 61101
Mitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
In my role as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God, quite often we are faced with issues that involve local governments and municipalities. Many of these issues that arise in dealing with entities are land use related. I have found Dalton & Tomich’s experience and expertise in this area to be a valuable resource and asset in every situation.
Tim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
Never one time during a year-long litigation process did Dalton & Tomich demonstrate anything other than Christ-like professionalism. They managed the legal details, while we continued to do church. How they managed themselves, managed our case, and represented our church set the table for me and our church to be where we are today.
Ronnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Dalton & Tomich’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. Their personal interest in helping us went “above and beyond” just the call of duty.