Faith

‘No Church Zone’: Officials Gives Calif. Branch of Mars Hill Church an Eviction Notice, Citing Zoning Laws

A case of anti-Christian discrimination or oddly staunch zoning laws? This is the question at the center of a debate that is forming in Santa Ana, California, surrounding Mars Hill Orange County. The church, which is a wing of the Seattle-based house of worship run by Pastor Mark Driscoll, is in a battle with city officials over the location of its services. While the congregation is hoping to stay at its current location, local officials claim that zoning laws forbid it.

Allow me to explain the back story. Over the past six months, Mars Hill Orange County’s Sunday worship services have been held in a rock concert hall — one that exists in an area that the city deems a no church zone. Due to this fact, Santa Ana’s building and planning department has issued the church an eviction notice, which could render its congregation homeless at any moment.

Mars Hill Orange County Being Evicted Over Santa Ana Zoning Laws

Pastor Mark Driscoll (Photo Credit: Mars Hill Church web site)

From the beginning, the church apparently knew that the agreement to hold its services in The Observatory, a venue that regularly houses music performances, wasn’t permanent. Still, Driscoll and other leaders don’t understand why the allowance to use the space cannot be continued — especially considering that, for the past half year, the church has had a special contract with the venue’s owners.

Driscoll has made his views on the matter clear, even wondering if anti-Christian bias is at play. Mars Hill has reportedly sought legal representation to ensure that they aren’t “getting bullied by a political discriminatory agenda against Christianity and the church,” The Christian Post reports.

“I honestly don‘t understand this because it’s a concert venue and so it’s a huge room where people come in, a band plays on the stage, and the place packs out with people. On Sunday, a band takes the stage and it fills up with people,” Driscoll said in a video message posted on the church’s web site. ”They say we can no longer use the space. [However,] we don’t have our children in there. They are actually in a separate building next door. It’s not a parking problem. There’s plenty of parking. It’s not a traffic problem. It’s Sunday, lots of accessibility, no issues whatsoever. So, we’re not exactly sure what the problem is. The truth is we’ve been asking a lot of questions and we are not getting a lot of answers.”

Watch Driscoll’s video, which includes a call to prayer for congregants and supporters, below:

While the church is looking into the legalities associated with the situation, Jay Trevino, Santa Ana’s executive director of Planning and Building Agency, denies any biases. Trevino told the Post that the city would love to see Mars Hill stay in town, but that the church needs to follow the same rules as other houses of worship.

“What they are doing is conducting a church under our zoning ordinance. Churches aren’t allowed in that zoning district, but are allowed in many other zoning districts,” he said. ”Santa Ana embraces religious institutions of all types. In fact, about two-thirds of our zoning districts allow churches. The city staff has gone above and beyond to help Mars Hill in finding locations, including contacting a perspective landlord on Mars Hill’s behalf.”

While Pastor Nick Bogardus says the church has been helpful in the past, he is frustrated by the pressure that has been put on Mars Hill to exit the premises. Meanwhile, the church has grown monumentally from 200 members to 600 and a space to continue worship is much-needed. Despite the challenges, Bogardus remains optimistic.

“If they throw us out we’ll worship Jesus in a park or on the beach,” he proclaimed.

(H/T: The Christian Post)

Comments (63)

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  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:25pm

    I’ve been watching a lot of “cult classics” lately – Escape from LA is one – we are turning into the US in this movies, favorite line, “no smoking, no swearing, no red meat, no woman (out of wedlock), no property, no…(you get the picture) in the US”, response, “welcome to the land of the free”.

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
    • williaml
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:36pm

      Seems like 1984 “the movie” has become a reality

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:54pm

      A clear violation of… The US Constitution!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Wolfgang the Gray
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:55pm

      Another reason I would never live in CA. When the big quake comes and Nevada becomes beach front property, then the insane laws from CA will stop.

      Report Post » Wolfgang the Gray  
    • johnadamsdescendant
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:25pm

      As someone who completely understands the concept and importance of zoning, I find that most of the public tends to think zoning laws do nothing but infringe on private property rights. I couldn’t disagree more! As an urban planner (and a conservative Christian), I know for a fact that City planning and building offices ARE NOT out to discriminate against churches, either.

      Let me ask you this… How many of you would like a HUGE Wal-mart (and all the associated traffic) setting up shop right next to your house? Or how about a 12-story building that obstructs your views? Would you like a strip joint or pententiary/jail located next to your child’s school? I’m guessing not. Come on, people! Zoning laws establish appropriate areas for things like schools, residential neighborhoods, and churches SEPARATE from the Wal-marts, tall buildings, and strip joints!!!

      Even when it comes to a church, there are lots of things to consider. Does a church belong in a downtown shopping district? No. Does a church belong in an industrial area? No. How about whether the street it’s on can handle that amount of traffic (in this case, yes, because services are held in a “rock concert hall”)? But, do the neighbors (who were there first!) have a problem with the traffic on a Sunday? I could go on and on. Hopefully, you get the point.

      You all need to quit your griping and realize that most zoning laws are actually there to PROTECT people, property rights, and property va

      Report Post »  
    • johnadamsdescendant
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:28pm

      Also, to the DOLT who said that the Mars Hill wants the church to have its own building so they can charge the church property taxes… Churches are property-tax exempt!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:14pm

    What has happen to harden the hearts of the American people? Stand with God and He will see you through this experience. He has a plan for you to win this. It may not be what you think. He may have other plans for your Church. As you say, the city may zone the property; however, they can’t take God. This just exposes these worldly people that will reap what they do to God’s People.

    Report Post »  
    • woodyb
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:44pm

      But the MUUslims would be welcome, because they don’t call it a church, they call it a MOSK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • saranda
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:27pm

      Poor poor woodyb. Always the victim.

      The church knew the rules coming in. They knew it was temporary. They knew they had to find other arrangements. So now they play the anti christian card. What a pathetic bunch they must be.

      Report Post »  
    • SaintzOfAk
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:15pm

      SARANDA…Could your head possibly be up your a$$ any further…YES!, keep pushin baby, were all rootin for your world record attempt at bias and ignorance you vile piece of trash.

      Report Post » SaintzOfAk  
  • shakedowncrews
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:09pm

    It seems to me that they (the city) have realized that this congregation is holding services without paying the taxes & fees the city would receive if the congregation were to pay the fees to build a church and pay local taxes on the facility.
    The congregation is not really “running a church”, they are “holding events”. The city is trying to force them to build a church to collect taxes and fees, you can bet on it.

    Report Post » shakedowncrews  
    • Cida
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:42pm

      To Shakedowncrews

      Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status so they don‘t hav’to pay taxes for their Churches and Religious Organizations.
      I Stand With Israel…Am Israel.

      Report Post » Cida  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:38pm

      @Cida- They don’t have to pay taxes to the fed. Does‘t mean they don’t have to pay taxes to the city or state.

      Report Post »  
  • Micmac
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:58pm

    After reading some of the histronics posted here comment is needed. If they allow 1 “church” to be in an unapproved zone this sets precedence for your mosques to be built on every corner, or in your neighborhood. Gotta keep the barn door closed. And why would you assume it’s in a “smut” zone? Heyzeus, show some IQ… and this goes for Blaze, too.
    This is a non-issue. I an currently processing a church and children development center for a client very close to this location and, frankly, there are issues that need to be legally addressed…like handicap access, etc., or lawsuits will prevail from the special interest groups, who salivate over non-conformance, as in California 3rd parties can sue for handicap issues, and they do, forcing legal bribery.

    Why I am tiring of this site… a non-issue that happens everyday.

    NoBama 2012

    Report Post »  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:15pm

      Yes– But Islam is not a religion. It is an ideology and culture of subjugation. They do not fit any definition of religion. Islam went off the rails when mohommid came along. Mohommid was a hypocrite and a warrior (poor one at that) who did not practice his own ‘religion’. He simply used the idea of ‘religion’ to co-opt and conquer. He rewarded his generals with the spoils of war, pedophilia, rape and other sickness. Islam is NOT a religion. The sooner we understand this by definition, the better. As a matter of fact, Islam violates our very first amendment. It seeks to destroy true religion in any and all forms.

      Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • Nanaswords
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:57pm

    A city-designated red-light district ??? A city that receives money/gain from such businesses will not be successful !!! More vice will come in…and instead of the area people going to church..,they will be going to the 6ft. under district !!! Which do we think that the people in that area want ? Looks as though they are choosing the church…how devastating to the city treasury !!! In the long run…there will be a deserted bunch of store fronts… with the city wishing people would come back into their area ! Think Again and Look around to areas have already gone down that path !!! Talk about a “Desert” area…Choices !!!

    Report Post »  
  • jimandcharo
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:53pm

    I wonder how much influence that other Pastor-Rob Bell-has had in this church? He definitely went off on traditional views and into what most Christians would call heresy. I hope and pray it has not infected this church. There are many Christian law firms that will help these guys if, in fact, they really want help.

    Report Post »  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:44pm

      could you be specific on the attack on traditional value

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Spur
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:37pm

      Just an FYI that Mars Hill Seattle and Mark Driscoll have no connection whatsoever with Rob Bell. In fact, Pastor Mark has been a vocal and unapologetic critic of Rob Bell’s (and other “emergent” churches’) flawed and dangerous theology.

      The culture at Mars Hill Seattle is not my cup of tea, but the teaching is excellent. The church has a great website with streaming audio/video of the teaching, as well as podcasts. The main campus is smack dab in the middle of a particularly funky place in uber-liberal Seattle. They get LOTS of hate, but keep growing at an amazing speed anyway. God is great!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:46pm

    “”Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”"
    This is not a church as the article states. It is a place where concerts are sometimes held. It exists and a religious expression is being practiced there. If the city pushes this and the Supreme Court upholds that Congress cannot intervene – This will open the door and enact a precedence that religion can in fact be expressed anywhere, public or private. Go for it.
    The progs seek to procure nefarious precedence for the enactment of their agenda (and then define it as they wish). Time to push it back in their grimy faces.

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:56pm

      after reading only the headlines that’s the first thing I thought. The second thing is I would hold my breath waiting for tehHolder“justice” department to defend the civil rights of non black,non democratic non-muslims.

      Report Post »  
    • Ghandi was a Republican
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:06pm

      He won’t defend squat here. What the aclu and progs do is clutter the courts. hoping to get their way through an activist judge, then create extreme expense to the offended party to go on.
      They are simply evil with an alisnky, lie cheat steal misrepresent, bend and twist, redefinition agenda. This is why they have to lie to get into positions. Simply put, they are Anti-American to the core!

      Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
    • 4GODUSAANDISRAEL
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 6:03pm

      first off, i didn’t even know that there were zoning laws pertaining to churches. That said, this isn’t congress laying this zoning law on this church. It’s a city, when writing the constitution, religious “decisions” were left up to the states, so i guess really, the fight here would be based off of what the state of California‘s constitution says about what it’s city’s can decide in a situation like this. the only way this would consider federal ruling is if they were infringing on the life and liberty of the people invovled, or if there was “unequal distributions” (if you will) of the law pertaining to this church happening ( i appologize, taking a layman‘s approach here as I’m not a constitutional scholar) I would like to see the church be able to stay, and i may be wrong, but besides a public opinion fight, if the city isn’t violating their laws, state laws, or federal laws, i don’t think the church has a leg to stand on in this one.

      Report Post » 4GODUSAANDISRAEL  
  • Carlinpa
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:39pm

    RE“deems a no church zone” ??? What? How in the world is that legal? How is it that, that law isn’t unconstitutional? I mean you can’t say “ God” because of the misrepresentation of the establishment clause but it’s fine to have a No church zone? I’m sure the aclu will be right on it.

    Report Post »  
  • Hickory
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:37pm

    This is insane.

    Report Post » Hickory  
  • donaldchar
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:36pm

    We pass Zoning laws to deal with problems both existing and potential, right? Blaze – what problems are being dealt with here? Is there one? Do they foresee a future one? We understand what Mars Hill is doing, but it seems that the municipality has the problem, not the church.

    Report Post »  
  • Twinspeedr
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:31pm

    The answer is, you have hardcore atheists in the city council and/or the zoning committees abusing their power. Period.

    Report Post » Twinspeedr  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:44pm

      I agree. This isn’t a “church.” This is people holding a meeting. If the space is available to rent and they are discriminating and using the “no church zone” as an excuse it is aganst the law.

      We don’t seem to see a lot of people upholding the law anymore though.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:28pm

    When shall this madness be ended?

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Micmac
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:00pm

      @Snow
      Hun, this is a non-issue. We have more important issues at hand, like today’s election in WS.

      NoBama 2012

      Report Post »  
  • Micmac
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:24pm

    I don‘t see why something couldn’t be worked out but the church does have these problems because they did an end run. Currently Santa Ana is a mostly Hispanic city (lots of illegals, too) now with Catholic churches everywhere. A large black community in south Santa Ana. The mayor is Hispanic. The reason I say this is because there is no prejudice towards the church. What the church did was not apply for a Conditional Use Permit. There are zones that allow churches outright and those that require CUPs. It sounds as if the zone has no CUP for churches.
    The church should have contacted the city as part of of due diligence, but decided to skip it. They certainly can apply for a variance. That’s what I would recommend.
    The existing use obviously allows massive auto traffic in the vicinity, so a church would not be an unreasonable application and would make the building more efficient, something planners seem to like.
    Also, the church could canvas the neighborhood with a petition with the neighbors approving this use to be submitted eith the proper application.
    Technically any zoning and approval could be said to be all part of Utopia, Agenda 21, etc., etc., etc., but in congested areas there has to be some semblence of order.

    NoBama 2012

    Report Post »  
    • Spur
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:50pm

      Again, this is NOT a church. This is an EVENTS venue that is holding church services on a temporary basis until a proper, permanent CHURCH can be purchased or built.

      The issue here is whether or not the city has the right to dictate to a properly located, operating EVENTS VENUE that they are prohibited from allowing Christian events.

      Really, what is the difference between renting out their legal venue to the same parties on a weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. basis? Does this mean that this venue cannot, say, rent out their building for a monthly fruit and flower show because it is zoned “not agricultural”? The farmers don’t have their fields there, but it’s probably just fine for them to show, sell or teach their products/knowledge to the public. It’s the same with Mars Hill – they are simply holding their weekly events there. It’s not their permanent home, and they do not keep permanent offices there. The church does that in many of their satellite venues all across the county – that’s how permanent churches are eventually planted.

      Report Post »  
  • lulu229
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:20pm

    If they had changed the law after the church started meeting there, that would be one thing, but zoning was already in place. Let’s be intellecutally honest… the church needs to obey the law. The church members can work to change the law, but they have to obey it. This is no more a religious freedom issue than the anti-mosque protests were in NYC…. its about the location, not the worship…

    Report Post »  
    • Spur
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 6:01pm

      No, it’s about the city telling a legally zoned venue that they cannot rent to a Christian organization for their events. The building is a concert venue that is renting its space for weekly church services and music. The issue at hand is whether or not the city can dictate who the concert venue can do business with, and if it is OK for the city to force them to discriminate against Christian organizations.

      The building in question is not a church, it is a tax-paying business accepting payment for a Christian service/concert event each week. This arrangement was always meant to be temporary, and it does not appear that the church has any presence in the building outside of its paid-for events.

      It’s commercial building doing commerce hosting events that just happen to be Christian :-)

      Report Post »  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:15pm

    So much for left wingers claiming that they don’t have a problem with people worshiping on private property.

    Report Post »  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:11pm

    the arguement that adult establishments and churches doesn’t wash… they are IN the ‘adult establishment’ but at a time when you won’t find rockers working.

    as to potential conflict, IF the churchgoers complain, THEN you say ‘sorry, this is zoned for vice, you can look elsewhere if offended.‘ i don’t see that happening here. and i daresay telling the local shops and storeowners they are in a redlight zoned center would not be welcome by a sizeable portion.

    Unless they are creating a problem, this is the city barring FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS… funny, though, I do not see the ACLU is jumping to protect them.

    Report Post » RaydocX  
  • drphil69
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:11pm

    ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CHRISTIANS. Gee, I wonder if muslims set up a mosque there… nevermind, obviously it wouldn‘t be a ’church‘ it would be a ’mosque,’ giving the libs an easy out for their fears.

    Do you really believe that if Christians were murdering thousands of innocents every year with terror attacks this would be happening? That is why muslims get a pass – the libs are SCARED SH*TLESS OF THEM!

    Report Post »  
  • armyofnibiru
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:10pm

    this shows beyond a dought this town has flushed the constitution,amendment 1 congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,(part 2 which this town does’nt believe in)or prohibiting the free exercisethereof, . as long as the state remains part of the corperation of the united states,they must obey the law of the land.not make zoneing laws that violate it.?what religion kills more muslims then any other?;;islam.

    Report Post »  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:43pm

      agree. zoning laws and other restrictions that are set in place not by vote but by pages of regulations stifle more of our rights than the laws that are passed. anyone try building a fence or cutting a tree down in western wa and see the loads of regs you must go through that the county even says on their website are hard to understand. under constant threat of arrest or lawsuit breaking laws we don’t know exist. This story shows another example of the backwards land of the free we live in. free to do what? they have regulated everything now.

      Report Post »  
  • RaydocX
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:08pm

    so rock concerts are good, but worshiping God together is bad?
    typical Lefty illogic… was this what happened before Rome fell? is there lead in the water out there?

    ask the surrounding store owners if they want to lose out on the revenue of regular customers… no wait, the city council knows better than John Q Public. have to do our thinking for us.

    Report Post » RaydocX  
  • hi
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:02pm

    They want a Mosque built there instead.

    Report Post » hi  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:57pm

    Have a Religious Music Concert Every Sunday 8 AM. Keep them playing All thru the service(background) After all it’s a concert venue. You have to beat Alinsky’s by following their playbook.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Cida
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:50pm

    I want to see them stop a mosque from being built in that so called no church zone, they could’nt. The DOJ would be on them so fast with a law suit and these people would cave.
    I Stand With Israel…Am Israel.

    Report Post » Cida  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:01pm

      My first thought also . I would love to see these hypocrites shown for the anti-Christian and Jewish jerks they are … stop a Mosque .. no I don’t think they would try or even want to!

      I too STAND WITH ISRAEL .. and God.

      Aren’t these the people who alway scream about separation of Church and State . … which doesn’t exist HOWEVER it does say that …

      “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”

      Report Post »  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:46pm

    So the church knew this wasnt a permanent option and they are upset they are being asked to leave? They should be gracious that they were even allowed to use this space when it is clear it isnt for a church. Sounds liek someone knew the rules going in and know the rules are being put in place they arent happy about it. Your “church” isnt a building, go sit on a hill and talk about jesus if you want and that shoudl have no effect on the faith of those who attend.

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:46pm

    Jesus is not hard of hearing.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • AlansTigg
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:29pm

    what exactly is the point of a no church zone?

    Report Post » AlansTigg  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:35pm

      It’s a structured attack upon religion. For all of this separation of church and state talk, there is an awful of government trying to regulate churches. They would never do this to the Muslims though.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:58pm

      City planners zone different areas of the city for different things. The particular zone the church occupies is a concert venue, which tells us this is the cities designated “party zone” Clubs, concert halls, sports bars, adult entertainment, medical marijuana dispensaries, etc.

      City officials don’t want churches in designated “party zones” because they often come into conflict with “adult” establishments. This leads to lots of complaints, and lost revenue.

      So city planers and leaders wisely keep them in seperate zones.

      Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • Dudester
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:58pm

      A no church zone is nothing uncommon or anti-christian. It is a common component of zoning and property rights.

      There are many businesses that do not go well together. In many cases there are prohibitions against having adult video/novelty sotres, liquor stores or nightclubs within X number of feet from a church or day care center. But if you then allow churches to inhabit every area of your community, then you are effectively banning all of those restricted businesses. The no-church zone is a compromise intended to keep the distance restrictions in place without having a complete ban on the businesses.

      Report Post »  
    • Richalu
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:03pm

      Exactly my thoughts, RJ. Apparently this is the new liberal/progressive tolerant, fair play way. Religion needs to stay out of government, but it’s just fine and dandy for governent to get into religion.

      Maybe it‘s time for Christains to ’protest’ in the same way that we all know those Muslims would, were the shoe on their feet. While the maxim of turning the other cheek is a good thing, maybe it’s time to make some noise.

      Report Post » Richalu  
    • Link8on
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:10pm

      This church needs to set up a stop on the CA High speed rail line, so Environmental and Zoning Laws will not apply.

      Gov Brown has greenlighted that High speed rail to bypass all current laws.

      Report Post » Link8on  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:11pm

      They have to make room for the strip joints, medical marijuana and porn shops.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • johnadamsdescendant
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:51pm

      There isn’t such a thing as a “NO CHURCH ZONE,” people! It doesn’t work like that. Those are just the pastor‘s and journalist’s words.

      For those of you (there clearly are quite a few!) who don’t understand how your local zoning laws work, it’s actually quite simple. There are different “uses” allowed in different “zones.“ This particular ”zone“ simply does not allow for a church ”use.” Just because the City doesn’t allow a church “use” in that “zone,” it doesn’t mean the City discriminates against churches!

      Do you think that a strip joint “use” would be allowed in (or appropriate for) a residential “zone”? No. On the other hand, does it make sense that a shopping mall “use” would be allowed in a commercial “zone”? Yes. So, those very zoning laws are the reason you don’t have a strip joint or Super Wal-mart right next to your house!

      It never ceases to amaze me how many NIMBYs there are out there. When you don’t like certain “uses” happening next door to you, then you’re are all for zoning laws. But, God forbid a “use” isn’t allowed in a particular “zone,” all of a sudden it becomes a private property rights issue?! Gimme a break!!!

      However, there are ways to change zoning laws if you don’t like them. Simply petition your local Planning/Zoning Commission and go to the public hearing (get your friends and neighbors to go, too). The more the public input, the more your local officials will be inclined to change

      Report Post »  
    • johnadamsdescendant
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:00am

      DUDESTER and RANGER1965 –

      Finally, some voices of reason! So pleased to see your posts.

      RJJINGADSDEN –

      First of all, there is NO SUCH THING as “No Church Zone.” Those are the pastor‘s and author’s words. What the City told them was that a church is not an allowed “use” in that particular “zone.”

      To make it easier for you to understand, I’ll explain it simply. Certain “uses” are not allowed in certain “zones.“ Do you think a strip joint is an appropriate ”use“ in a residential ”zone”? No. Would you be happy if a strip joint opened right next door to your house? Who knows! Maybe you would. But, is it probably going to lower your property value? Significantly. So, do you think there’s a reason we don’t put strip joints (i.e., make them allowed “uses”) in residential neighborhoods? Um, yeah!

      What would you think of that very strip joint being an allowed “use” next to your local elementary school? I’m guessing you’d also say no. That’s why our City/County governments don’t site strip joints next to schools. Is that a good thing? I, for one, am glad they don’t.

      Now, do those scenarios constitute an attack on strip joints? Come, on! That’s totally moronic. That’s the same logic you’re using when you say a church “use” not being allowed in a particular “zone” is an attack on religious freedom.

      Report Post »  
    • johnadamsdescendant
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:03am

      DUDESTER and RANGER1965 –

      Finally, some voices of reason! So pleased to see your posts.

      RJJINGADSDEN –

      First of all, there is NO SUCH THING as “No Church Zone.” Those are the pastor‘s and author’s words. What the City told them was that a church is not an allowed “use” in that particular “zone.”

      To make it easier for you to understand, I’ll explain it simply. Certain “uses” are not allowed in certain “zones.” Do you think a strip joint is an appropriate “use” in a residential “zone”? No. Would you be happy if a strip joint opened right next door to your house? Who knows! Maybe you would. But, is probably lower your property value? Significantly. So, do you think there’s a reason we don’t put strip joints in residential neighborhoods? Um, yeah!

      What would you think of that very strip joint being an allowed “use” next to your local elementary school? I’m guessing you’d also say no. That’s why our City/County governments don’t site strip joints next to schools. Is that a good thing? I, for one, am glad they don’t!

      Does that constitute an attack on strip joints, though? Come, on! That’s totally moronic. That’s the same logic you’re using when you say a “church” use that isn’t allowed in a particular “zone” is an attack on religious freedom. Zoning laws are intended to protect private property rights and property values.

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