Situation Overview

In the spring of 2002, a vintage home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hancock Park was demolished to make room for a Temple. The genesis of The League of Residential Neighborhood Advocates can be found in the dust of that demolition.

In the mid-90's, it became evident that a local home was being used as a synagogue in violation of LA zoning laws. The Department of Building and Safety issued a cease-and-desist order. The home's owner then filed for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), asking the City to allow the residence to be exempted from the restrictions attendant to R-1 zoning.

By City ordinance, the application for a CUP was subject to public notice and open hearings. Neighbors opposed to the conversion of the single family home argued that just three blocks west of the subject property there was an appropriately zoned district that already accommodated no less than a dozen synagogues. The Zoning Administrator denied the application. Appeals to the City Council and State Court were, likewise, denied.

On September 22, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). The new law granted religious organizations the right to choose the location and size of their religious buildings substantially free of the need to comply with local zoning laws. The homeowner then filed an amended complaint with the Federal Court, seeking to nullify the decisions that had been repeatedly determined in the CUP process and through State Court action. A trial date was set for July 2001.

Prior to trial, a settlement was reached between the City and the property owner. The settlement was negotiated behind closed doors. There was no public input allowed nor public disclosure offered. The agreement stipulated that the residential character and architecture of the house would be restored and, in return, there could be limited worship services conducted at the property.

In the spring of 2002, the home was demolished. Where there was once a 3000 square foot, 70-year-old home, a new 8100 square foot, institutional-style edifice began to rise. During the period of construction, the congregation began using another nearby residential home for regular services as well as special celebrations that attract up to 400 people.

It has become startlingly clear to concerned homeowners in Hancock Park that the assertion of special privilege by religious landowners will have far reaching effect not only on their neighborhood, but on residential areas throughout America. In states across the nation, a wide variety of religious groups are seeking to exploit the special privileges granted to them by RLUIPA to build sanctuaries, homeless shelters, banquet halls and parking lots.

Residents of Hancock Park have formed the League of Residential Neighborhood Advocates (LRNA) not only to challenge the actions that have transformed one residence in their neighborhood, but to assist other communities in their efforts to protect the unique characteristics that have historically defined residential neighborhoods.

As one of their first acts, LRNA has filed a lawuit against the City of Los Angeles and the local homeowner. The lawsuit seeks to halt the use of specific residential property as places of worship and for other non-conforming activities. This litigation is expected to result in a direct Supreme Court challenge to the constitutionality of RLUIPA.