Look out Aquila, they are watching you.

[scotty]

California Couple Fined $300 for Holding Home Bible Studies

A southern California family has been fined for holding regularBiblestudies at their home because it violates a city zoning code,


The city of San Juan Capistrano, in Orange County, fined Charles and Stephanie Fromm $300 for having as many as 50 people assembled at their home twice a week, the Times reported. City officials also warned the couple that subsequent fines could increase if they continued to host the studies without obtaining a special permit.

"The Fromm case further involves regular meetings on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons with up to 50 persons, with impacts on the residential neighborhood on street access and parking," spokeswoman Cathy Salcedo said in an email to The Los Angeles Times.

Brad Dacus, an attorney for the Public Justice Institute, said the Fromms live in a semi-rural area and have not caused any parking problems for neighbors.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/21...#ixzz1YgqaMndu

[Cindy]

I wonder if they were having a party if the same thing would happen?

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Cindy

I wonder if they were having a party if the same thing would happen?

If it was a couple of times a week, probably. The first reaction to this story is "How dare they!" but then you read that about 50 people were showing up. If 50 people showed up at our neighbors house twice a week for anything you can bet the HOA would get involved fast.

[Dagwood]

I wonder if Aquila's group have 50 people meeting in a home. Generally, Bible study consists of about 15-20 people max when meeting somewhere other than the church building.

My first thought, too, is "how dare they!" But, for 50 people to show up twice a week and call it a "Bible Study" at someone's home, regardless of semi-rural or otherwise, I'd expect something like this to happen. Something we'll probably never know is whether these people live in a standard-lot-sized neighborhood or if they have acreage. Semi-rural can encompass both...

On a side note, something caught my attention: is the Pacific Justice Institute or Public Justice Institute taking the case? Both are mentioned in the article. Maybe a typo, maybe not...

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Dagwood

I wonder if Aquila's group have 50 people meeting in a home. Generally, Bible study consists of about 15-20 people max when meeting somewhere other than the church building.

My first thought, too, is "how dare they!" But, for 50 people to show up twice a week and call it a "Bible Study" at someone's home, regardless of semi-rural or otherwise, I'd expect something like this to happen. Something we'll probably never know is whether these people live in a standard-lot-sized neighborhood or if they have acreage. Semi-rural can encompass both...

On a side note, something caught my attention: is the Pacific Justice Institute or Public Justice Institute taking the case? Both are mentioned in the article. Maybe a typo, maybe not...

He said the Fromms should have their money returned, adding that PJI intends to defend "this family's home Bible study all the way to the US Supreme Court, if necessary."


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/21...#ixzz1YhS6Uhqo

I would be interested to see comments by neighbors. Did they complain or did local officials make this call on their own.

[NotforSale]

I agree with others; if 50 people showed up at my neighbors house a couple of times a week for ANY reason, my neighbors and I wouldn't be happy.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I agree with others; if 50 people showed up at my neighbors house a couple of times a week for ANY reason, my neighbors and I wouldn't be happy.

Ok, if we are talking about cars parked on the street in front of your home then sure. But other than a noise issue, what would it matter if your neighbor had 100 people over twice a week ?

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by scotty

Ok, if we are talking about cars parked on the street in front of your home then sure. But other than a noise issue, what would it matter if your neighbor had 100 people over twice a week ?

I think that is exactly what we're talking about. As it is when either of our neighbors have even a small get together, some of their visitors are parking their cars literally across the front of our driveway. One can only imagine if 25 cars showed up.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by scotty

Ok, if we are talking about cars parked on the street in front of your home then sure. But other than a noise issue, what would it matter if your neighbor had 100 people over twice a week ?

City ordinances are meant to keep a neighborhood a neighborhood. If you want to run a business, then find a location that can support the demand of people and parking.

If they make an exception for this man and his church, they will have to allow other homes to do the same thing. The problem is, when you allow a commercial exposure in a residential area, the liability affects everyone.

I'm an insurance agent and I specialize in commercial insurance. I also do personal lines as well (Auto/Home/Life), and crossing certain lines in these areas changes the entire dynamics of how to rate fairly.

If this man’s house burns down because of a fire caused by one of his services, his personal lines policy will most likely refuse coverage. If this fire then catches the neighbor’s house on fire, now you’ve got some serious issues that will probably wind up in a huge court battle.

[Dagwood]

Yeah, the whole noise issue has me further wondering: whether its a neighborhood with homes 5/10/15 feet apart from one another or generously spaced out, and parking. If the homes are closer together, then they must be carrying on enough for neighbors to hear them. If on acreage, the noise should have no impact on anyone nearby. Parking, same principal: homes close together, I'd be frustrated, as well, especially given the frequency of the meeting and if I had to park my car out front, or if I was expecting company on the same night. If on acreage, no worries at all. But, more details about those would have me better able to say one way or the other if I agree with the City or the family...