California church properties face potential eminent domain seizure

Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, has issued a warning regarding a California legal framework that could lead to the confiscation of church properties through eminent domain.

The issue stems from a 2023 law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, which allows religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to bypass local zoning laws to expedite the establishment of affordable housing. While intended to address housing for low-income and homeless populations, legal advocates argue the regulation is being exploited.

According to Dacus, property developers may use these regulations to pressure churches into selling land against their will. In the city of Lakewood, officials reportedly zoned land used by approximately ten churches for public housing projects. Advocates warn that this zoning shift could allow developers to eventually seek eminent domain to seize the properties for public use.