[FreePaul]

I lived in a neighborhood with strict deed restrictions as well as city ordinances restricting activities. Church activities were exempt. A church group started up near us. They have since grown to be a large church which blocks streets and driveways with parking and generally creates a nuisance all the time. They play music through outside speakers without regard for their neighbors. We no longer live near them but their current neighbors have constant problems with them.

Maybe your neighbors were just trying to protect themselves and their property. If they let you violate the use restrictions they may not be able to enforce them in the future.

[Bear_Slayer]

They have since grown to be a large church which blocks streets and driveways with parking and generally creates a nuisance all the time. They play music through outside speakers without regard for their neighbors

Disturbing the peace and public nuisance laws should apply here.

[Ditter]

The house where we held church services was on a cul de sac with several vacant lots, one of which we owned, so parking was not a problem. 25 to 50 people met only on Sunday morning for 1 hour and we had no sound system of any kind. There were no other activities at that address any other time of the week. It was a small residential island with no other facilities in which we could meet. A few weeks after the trial, construction on a community building/courthouse/police station was completed and we began to meet there. As soon as possible we collected funds and build a beautiful small church on the island. The person who brought the suit against us moved away and then committed suicide.

[Louis Foxwell]

A church group started up near us. They have since grown to be a large church which blocks streets and driveways with parking and generally creates a nuisance all the time.

Church exemption from restrictions on gathering in a private home does not preclude them from abiding by generally enforced nuisance neighbor laws.

Excessive noise, blocking flow of traffic and so forth are code violations in any municipality. A series of complaints to the police will result in a court appearance. The church's host will have to explain why they should be allowed to continue inviting religious friends to their home.

Such a rowdy bunch, these Christians.