Zoning Denial For Catholic School Athletic Field Lighting Violates RLUIPA

In Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle v. City of Seattle, WD WA, June 20, 2014), a Washington federal district court held that requiring a Catholic High School to obtain a zoning variance in order to install 70-foot tall light poles in its athletic field violates the "equal terms" provision of RLUIPA. The variance, which was denied, is required because of the 30-foot height requirement for structures in residential zones. The city exempts public school athletic fields from the height requirement. [Thanks to Eric Treene for the lead.]