Blocked Church Expansion into Greenbelt Challenged

Church officials in Ventura County, California, are challenging a decision barring them from expanding into protected open space, arguing that federal law allows them exemptions from zoning controls.

1 minute read

December 15, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The Simi Valley church, which has grown to 4,000 members, is challenging the county Planning Commission's denial on Oct. 9 of its request to consider its application for a seven-building campus in a greenbelt near Simi Valley. Church officials believe the proposed campus should be excused from local land use laws under the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act."

"The supervisors agreed the effect of the federal law should be squared away before voting on the appeal."

"The religious land use act, enacted in 2000 to protect churches from discrimination, will be looked at as a legal matter, not as an application to build the campus in the Tierra Rejada greenbelt, clarified Supervisor Steve Bennett."

"As local land-use law is written, buildings are not allowed in designated open space areas throughout the county and churches are specifically not granted an exception."

"Rubens said the church should be allowed to move forward with its application, noting 'federal law supersedes a zoning ordinance that discriminates against churches.'"

Friday, December 12, 2008 in Ventura County Star

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

People ride bikes past outdoor restaurant patio with misters in Culdesac car-free development, Tempe, Arizona.

Car-Free Arizona Suburb Gains Residents

The project, dubbed Culdesac, offers EV rentals, free light rail passes, and other perks instead of private parking.

March 6, 2024 - Fast Company

Close-up of American flag sticker on a silver subway train.

How Public Transit Became Political

A number of factors explain the partisan divide in support for transit.

March 14 - Governing

Intersection in downtown Los Angeles with pedestrians crossing, vintage building across street, and modern glass office tower in background.

LA Zoning Reforms Could Yield Up to 250,000 New Homes

A draft plan would speed up permitting for residential projects with an affordability component and make more buildings eligible for adaptive reuse.

March 14 - The Center Square

Close-up on dozens of anti-climate change signs at protest with people not visible.

Resilience Matters: Building Sustainable Futures

A new e-book highlights the work of people and organizations planning more resilient cities.

March 14 - Island Press

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.