Thursday, January 19, 2006
Oregon Church Wins Land-Use Fight
The Molalla Christian Church wanted to build on ten acres outside of Molalla, a small town about 30 miles southeast of Portland. Since it was outside of the city's urban-growth boundary, the county initially denied it a permit. But Dave Hunnicutt, the director of Oregonians in Action (which promoted the measure 37 ballot measure), took the case and argued that this was discrimination made illegal by the federal Religious Land Use Act of 2000.
Hunnicutt pointed out that zoning for the area would allow a community center and football field. "If we're talking about God, we can't (build on the site),: he said. "If we're talking about football, we can." Hunnicutt helped the church appeal the decision to Oregon's Land Use Board of Appeals, won the appeal, and then convinced two of the three county commissioners to approve the permit.
It may not be over. 1000 Friends of Oregon may decide to appeal the permit to the Land Use Board of Appeals. And there are still other churches in Oregon that have not been able to operate, build, or expand because of land-use rules. Stay tuned for further developments. And, hey, if a church can build, why can't I?
Hunnicutt pointed out that zoning for the area would allow a community center and football field. "If we're talking about God, we can't (build on the site),: he said. "If we're talking about football, we can." Hunnicutt helped the church appeal the decision to Oregon's Land Use Board of Appeals, won the appeal, and then convinced two of the three county commissioners to approve the permit.
It may not be over. 1000 Friends of Oregon may decide to appeal the permit to the Land Use Board of Appeals. And there are still other churches in Oregon that have not been able to operate, build, or expand because of land-use rules. Stay tuned for further developments. And, hey, if a church can build, why can't I?
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