Winery Says Zoning Restrictions On Outdoor Weddings Violate RLUIPA and Speech Rights

The Ventura County Star reported yesterday on a lawsuit filed in a California federal district court by a southern California winery challenging a Ventura County ordinance that requires conditional use permits for outdoor events, including weddings.  Six months ago the county denied Epona Estate's application for a permit to allow weddings, charitable fundraisers, luncheons and similar events at the winery.  The suit contends that the restriction on outdoor weddings violates the winery's free speech rights as well as its rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.