Zoning Laws Run Amok – Home Bible Study Banned Without Permit in San Diego
Where does the power from government stop and common sense start. Obviously not in San Diego.
A San Diego zoning official has served a local pastor with a cease and desist letter. Why? Because the pastor was having an illegal religious assembly in their home. The illegal act? How about a bible study and a dinner.
Now I am not the most religious person, wish I was, but this is past the point of absurd. The government official demanded they stop holding the bible study or apply for a permit that costs tens of thousands of dollars.
If it was up to me this unnamed government official should be fired on the spot. The rampant abuse of power is really offensive and dangerous.
“On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the Bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county.” David Jones told FOX News.
“We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a Bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all,” Jones said.
A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited “unlawful use of land,” ordering them to either “stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit,” the couple’s attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.
But the major use permit could cost the Jones’ thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over. FOXNews.com.
Although I agree on most points, I would like to point out that most of the banks that are being ...
The question is when are they going to release them on the market. Las Vegas leads the nation in ...
I keep seeing mentions of Florida's market getting better in multiple blogs. I'm increasingly under the assumption that at least ...
I would like to know more about it. I need to know how you file for it. Please let me ...
Great blog, keep the great content coming! 
If you want to succeed, do not say "we can prevent this in the future." Live in reality. ...
The price of the property depends on its quality and the deal between the management. Good and wise choices are ...
I don't have experience at actualy working in tha automotive bussinnes, but have experience working in a warehouse invironment. ...
Comment by Lee on 29 May 2009:
Be glad you do not live in San Diego County.
This is one of the most repressive, backwards, anti-business County bureaucracies in the USA. They have had the attitude exhibited in this outrageous incident – for decades. They have no respect for property rights or the Constitution (but that’s a growing problem in the USA – another story).
Please e-mail County Supervisor Chair Greg Cox greg.cox@sdcounty.ca.gov and tell him what you think of Pam Elias’ (Head of Code Enforcement) judgment. And you can e-mail her your regards directly at pam.elias@sdcounty.ca.gov
I hope for the sake of Religious Freedom, that this goes to court and the County gets assessed huge court fees and damages for their irresponsible actions. Too bad the tax payers will foot the bill on this and not the bureaucratic zealots.
Comment by Joe on 30 May 2009:
What irony that the persecutors become the persecuted. By all means County of SD, shut them down and start taxing the rest of those fairy tale houses. California needs the cash.
Comment by Portland Real Estate on 1 June 2009:
Im not religious at all, yet I am completely appalled at the idea of a permit like that even existing. Freedom of religion means that you can feel free to practice your religion without fear, no permit required. I dont care if there were 80 people having a catholic mass in the backyard, if they are not hurting anybody they should be left alone and happy.
Comment by kathy on 12 June 2009:
Now, is there a time coming when we will be banned from holding the infamous Family Christmas Day, and Dinner WITH A PRAY at ones house without a permit?????????????? We as Christians have got to stand up and NOT tolerate(which should be redefined as: closing ones eyes to an issue) this any longer. This is definite proof that there truly is no separation of church and state!!!!!