Date: Mon, 4 Nov 1996 09:42:01 -0800 (PST)
From: "H. Jones" <hjones@u.washington.edu>
To: econgeog@u.washington.edu
Subject: please add to collab. page Red list contribution

OBJECTIVE:
	For the class project I will be examining the real world and
theoretical factors of building a church.  For real world factors I'll be
looking at church locations, reasons for locating in certain areas, and
targeted population.  For theoretical factors I'll be analyzing zoning and
land use theories and the NIMBY concept.

	This paper will be taking a broad look and real world problems
churches face.

ISSUES: 
	Since post-Christian times many individuals and city councils have
taken cynical attitudes toward church existence.  There was a time when
church steeples marked the heart of many communities.  Rising above houses
and trees, it provided the architectural high point of the neighborhood, a
reference point for society.  

	Nowadays steeples are likely to be ruled out of compliance with
city building codes, showing sure signs of post-Christian times.

	A typical situation a new church who wants to build may face is
simply their is no space allocated for them in carefully planned
communities.  In other cases churches who existed before modern zoning
regulations, which became widespread during the World War II  building
surge, who want to add on or remodel are faced with constraints of, limits
on building size, lot of size, steeple height, traffic flow, parking space
and disgruntle neighbors.

	Such constraints churches face pose difficult questions for them.
Should churches be "good neighbors" and accept what probably are
unconstitutional restrictions and forced compromises?  Or should they take
the issue to court.  Increasingly across America  churches are opting for
courtrooms.  

	Some examples of zoning issues courts are dealing with can be
found in the article, Zoned Out from the Church and Law Journal.
According to the article in California an ecumenical group has organized
to battle the states 1971 zoning laws, which opponents say provide space
for everything but churches.  Other examples state how a congregation in
Dallas banded together to fight the city's zoning standards, which they
say prevent churches from starting schools.  Also in 1989 the Assemblies
of God called on zoning boards nationwide to stop discriminating against
churches when they try to buy land and get building permits.

	In mastered planned communities in Southern California their is an
average of only one religious facility for every 10,000 people.  The
national average is one for 830 people.  Zoning opponents blame adverse
land planning for an estimated 40 percent drop in church membership among
people in planned communities.  

	In conclusion, the end result becomes churches have to build far
away from the communities they wish to minister.  Many have to rent, which
inhabits their ability to sink roots into the community.