Site Development Limitations

Here are some of the situations that create a demand for a larger church site: a. Many communities have incorporated a very low ratio for impervious development of the church site. The term “impervious” refers to the site development that limits storm water penetration, creating more runoff from the site. Building footprint and roof, sidewalks,…

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Church Site Selection

Let’s use TEN STEPS as logical, sequential progress toward a desired goal. These are steps that you must be acquainted with as a church planter, pastor, or another church leader entrusted with this responsibility. Rarely will you find a realtor who understands the requirements of a church. The realtor is primarily a salesperson. You must…

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The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act: Full Text

106th Concress of the United States of America 106th CONGRESS2nd SessionS. 2869 AN ACTTo protect religious liberty, and for other purposes.Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the UnitedStates of America in Congress assembled,SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.This Act may be cited as the `Religious Land Use and Institutionalized PersonsAct of 2000`.SECYION 2.…

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Land Use & Zoning: ACLJ’s Position

Churches across the nation are increasingly facing discrimination from local zoning authorities with respect to location or improvement of their facilities. Zoning Boards often want to eliminate churches from downtown and commercial areas because churches do not generate retail and tax revenue. They also attempt to restrict churches in residential areas for allegedly creating traffic…

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Checklist: Choosing the Right Property Location

Staff Writer, ChurchConstruction.com When you select a building site, consider some of the following items. Then use the checklist provided to evaluate the feasibility of each option you uncover. 1. Accessibility of Site – If access roads and utilities are not already available to the site, the church will be responsible for paying for and…

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Funding the Local Church: Liabilities of Fund Raising

As I awaited my opportunity to present church development at the church board meeting, the church treasurer presented the financial report. “Since announcing our building fund, we have accumulated $30,000 through designated giving—not nearly enough to launch our building program. However, our giving in the general fund and missions accounts is way down.” I have…

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Hiring Contractors, Subcontractors and Vendors

Finding a contractor who is capable of handling the complexities of your project may be as easy as consulting your local yellow pages under the heading of General Contractors. This method can prove to be hit-or-miss depending on the size of the city or town and the number of general contractors in the area. The…

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How to Hire an Architect

Architects, like many other licensed professionals, must pass a comprehensive state test and are permitted to practice architecture only in those states where a valid license is held. Only a person possessing a valid state license and current registration may legally use the title “architect” and provide architectural services. Many architects are members of the…

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Before You Build – Six Things You Should Know

Staff Writer, Arks Incorporated  In church building programs you can solve issues one of two ways…invest a little sweat equity or throw money at it and make it someone else`s problem. Good stewardship would lead us to try to get the most of every one of God`s dollars. A dollar saved in the building program…

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Finance Committee Checklist

How much needs to be raised to purchase/renovate the building? How much needs to be raised on a weekly basis to cover the mortgage payment? How much needs to be raised on a weekly basis to cover other expenses-insurance, utilities, maintenance, etc. How much needs to be raised to cover normal church expenses, salaries, administrative…

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