I've been asked to find some land for a Hindu Temple. I first wanted to verify if churches are exampt from zoning. I am looking for 8-15 acres. Where should I look, residential or commercial or because it's a church does it make any difference?

It depends on your local zoning ordinances! Another agent in my office worked with a Buddhist organization to find acreage for a spiritual retreat for their members. They had to ensure that the Use Permit would be issued by the County. They found plenty of properties that would have worked for their purposes but the Use Permit could not/would be issued by the County because of the various zoning ordinances on the books. At least in California they are not exempt. Good luck.

You can't zone gods. Damn those that do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We witnessed a Baptist Church shut down because of some minor Zoning Infractions. Some Neighbors complained about the increased amount of traffic on Sundays and Choir practice nights . . . . and that loud singing . . . . Awful ! They had to relocate. Religious Institutions maybe exempt from Real Estate Taxes; BUT NOT ZONING ! At least not here.

Read the Zoning Ordinance or ByLaw of the Communities that they might consider in advance of presenting properties to them; and Zones where Religious Institutions are already a Permitted Use, and at least a Conditional Use. Talk to the Zoning Administrators in advance. I don't think that is steering; you're just being practical in trying to prepare a path for them. Look for properties where they are not going to have a fight on their hands from the get go.

Is your Buyer Client a Vedanta Society ?

At this time I am unaware of any of the details..even don't know the size of the Temple they are considering...I just need to know the questions to ask them.

Thank you

There's a lot of red tape... I've been working with a Church to lease space in one of our buildings since November of last year.

Paul, what are some of the big barriers youve encountered?

Merkaba,

The building is an industrial zoning, and already has two special use permits on it, with fairly limited parking.

The main issues with acquiring the special use permit were parking, occupant load, and all of the fun things that come with having a high occupant load. Extra bathrooms, emergency exits, etc.

Throw into the mix that the tenant is a lying Deacon (not trying to be facetious), and it has made for an extremely long process.

Vermont, with all due respect, the laws in Vermont seem to generally ALWAYS be totally unique. Frankly, I think Vermont should be an independent republic! LOL

Perky, They tried the Independent Republic thing BEFORE succumbing to become the 14th State. I wrote you a defensive tome last week !

Maybe I'll have to dig it out from wherever it got buried.

Actually I saw it, and that's pretty much was I was referring to. LOL