Church Denied Permit to Operate, Sues City
A lawsuit by a Christian group accuses Rolling Hills Estates of violating its civil rights by denying it permission to open a church in a building the group bought a year ago.
The city changed its zoning law a few months ago, banning churches from the commercial area where Morning Star International’s property is located. City officials said the zoning change was necessary to increase its tax revenues and revitalize a faltering business district. But Morning Star, a nondenominational group, contended the measure effectively bans any new churches.
The city currently allows churches only in areas zoned “institutional,” but Morning Star officials say that the areas are tiny and already full of churches and schools that are not likely to move.
“There’s a certain amount of slap in the face to churches,” said Mick Imfeld, an attorney affiliated with the Pacific Justice Institute who is representing the church.
Morningstar’s lawsuit seeks a court order to allow it to use its property at 735 Silver Spur Road for a church, and if that fails, $1 million in compensatory damages.
The attorney for Rolling Hills Estates has asked city officials not to publicly comment on the lawsuit, said city manager Doug Prichard.
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