PJI Raises Religious Freedom Concerns After Church Property Rezoning Approval

Planning commission approves zoning changes affecting 10 church properties despite concerns about their future religious use

LAKEWOOD, Calif. - Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) is raising concerns over the City of Lakewood's decision to rezone 10 church properties, warning that the changes could threaten the future use of land dedicated to religious worship and ministry.

At an Oct. 1 public hearing, PJI Staff Attorney Nathalie Smith addressed the city's Planning and

Environment Commission, urging officials to protect churches from the potential consequences of California's housing policies. Despite concerns raised by residents and church supporters, the commission voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning proposal.

The changes would reclassify the designated land use of 10 church properties from low-density residential to medium- or high-density residential and change their zoning from single-family to multifamily residential.

The rezoning is part of Lakewood's 2021-2029 Housing Element, which identifies sites for potential residential development under California's Housing Element Law. The state requires cities to plan for projected housing needs, and Lakewood has been assigned a target of 3,922 additional housing units during the current planning cycle.

City officials maintain that rezoning does not require churches to construct housing or discontinue their religious activities. PJI, however, remains concerned about the long-term consequences of changing the land-use designations of properties currently serving congregations and their communities.

"Churches should not have to wonder whether future housing policies will interfere with their ability to worship, minister and serve their communities," said PJI Staff Attorney Nathalie Smith. "The city has an obligation to consider the religious freedom of these congregations before making decisions that could affect their properties. We urged the commission to stand for religious freedom, and we will continue advocating for these churches."

Among the properties identified for rezoning is The Journey at Mayfair Community Church, located at 6150 Bellflower Blvd.

Local residents, including the Rev. Raul Ortiz, have expressed concerns about the rezoning and encouraged church members to participate in the city's public hearings. Ortiz helped organize community attendance at the Oct. 1 meeting.

Federal law provides specific protections for religious institutions facing government land-use decisions. Under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), governments generally may not impose land-use regulations that substantially burden religious exercise unless they satisfy strict legal requirements. The law also prohibits certain forms of religious discrimination in zoning decisions.

The First Amendment further protects religious exercise against unconstitutional government interference.

PJI has experience representing churches affected by California's housing and land-use policies and is prepared to assist religious institutions whose legal rights may be threatened.

"California's housing requirements do not erase the constitutional protections afforded to churches," said PJI Founder and President Brad Dacus. "These congregations have invested decades in serving their communities. Lakewood's elected officials should carefully consider how their decisions could affect the continued religious use of these properties. PJI stands ready to defend churches when government action infringes upon their religious freedom."

Smith concluded her remarks before the commission by reaffirming PJI's commitment to defending religious liberty:

"There are organizations that are willing to stand up for religious freedom, and Pacific Justice Institute is one of those, and we're willing to do it for free. And as other people pointed out, be part of the change. But if not, we will be."

PJI encourages affected congregations and concerned residents to remain informed about local land-use policies and their potential impact on religious institutions.

Additional information about Lakewood's housing policies is available through the city's Housing Element webpage. Public meetings and agendas are available through the city's official website.

About Pacific Justice Institute

Pacific Justice Institute is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, parental rights and other civil liberties. PJI provides legal representation without charge to individuals and organizations whose constitutional rights are threatened.

Learn more about Pacific Justice Institute and its work defending religious freedom and constitutional rights nationwide.

If your church or religious organization is facing government interference with its property rights or religious activities, contact Pacific Justice Institute by completing a GET HELP

FORM.

To help PJI continue providing legal representation without charge, SUPPORT PJI with a tax-deductible gift today.

Media Contact: Pacific Justice Institute • (916) 857-6900 • [email protected] • PacificJustice.org