I was a member of a UCC (United Church of Christ denomination) church in a suburb of San Diego that sold its property. Before this happened, a member conveniently died and gave her house to the church. The church is now meeting out of this house. Isn't a house a house and a church a church? Doesn't the city have to approve such a thing in terms of zoning, etc? What about property taxes, which a church is normally exempt from? I doubt the Pastor went to the city beforehand. And, outwardly, there's no sign this house is a church, so he's probably trying to hide the fact. Is this legit?
2006-08-29 11:41:11 · 7 answers · asked by Doubting Thomas 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes, he should be cleared through zoning for having the services at a residence, mainly because being in a residential neighborhood the parking would be a problem. I'm surprised one of the neighbors hasn't made some calls to City Hall already!
Property taxes are a different issue. The house is in a residential neighborhood, is zoned residential, and unless it gets a zoning waiver I doubt the tax assessor would just let the taxes drop, and lose the revenue.
You can have meetings in your home if it's your full time home, lots of people do that on a occasional basis. If the property is being used exclusively as a religious function, it needs to be cleared through the city offices.
2006-08-29 11:53:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a right guaranteed by the first amendment. There is absolutely no requirement for it to be a corporation or 501c3 exempt. Churches are already exempted from all taxes and regulations by the first amendment.
For a more thorough examination of the law related to this issue, read http://hushmoney.org/
Sincerely, Zach Doty
2006-08-29 11:46:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that would be subject to very specific zoning laws in your area. Some areas also exempt all churches (go figure they don't even have to pay taxes). You would need to check with someone in the know locally, perhaps your local zoning commision.
2006-08-29 11:48:08 · answer #3 · answered by sam21462 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about San Diego. I'm from Indiana. We have several churches who use converted houses for axillary space. I don't know of any that use a house for a sanctuary. however. I'd check with the zoning commission.
2006-08-29 11:53:26 · answer #4 · answered by Darma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is used "only as a church", it can be declared as "non profit".
Churches buy property all the time for schooling, etc. It is taken off the tax rolls.
Zoning and/or "property restrictions" can prevent it.
2006-08-29 11:51:42 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can brothels operate out of a house?
Can tattoo artists operate out of a house?
Can a nursery operate out of a house?
Can a massage parlor operate out of a house?
Can a business operate out of a house?
Can a church operate out of a house?
Answer: They all can and they all do.
2006-08-29 11:47:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to meet and pray in a church ,you can pray where ever you want .thank god they have somewhere to meet.
the pastor should look into the tax issue though.
2006-08-29 11:46:51 · answer #7 · answered by TIA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋