ORDINANCE NO. BL2017-654

An ordinance amending Chapters 2.28, 6.04, 7.08, 7.16, 10.48, 11.28, 12.48, 17.04, 17.16.and 17.20 to substitute “place of worship” or “religious institution” for “church” (Proposal No. 2017Z-010TX-001).

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Code of Laws (MCL) uses the term “church” whenever referencing buildings or property used for religious worship; and

WHEREAS, while the Metropolitan Code of Laws broadly defines “church” to include any building or property where a congregation regularly meets for religious worship (MCL §7.08.010), the term “church” is generally construed as referring primarily to a building used for Christian worship or even the whole body of Christian believers. (See, e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged dictionary, 11th ed.; and dictionary.com); and

WHEREAS, Nashville and Davidson County are home to a variety of religious denominations whose congregations may not necessarily subscribe to the term “church”; and

WHEREAS, other sections within the Metropolitan Code of Laws use the terms “place of worship” or “religious institution” in lieu of “church.” (See, e.g., MCL 17.16.170); and

WHEREAS, to further Nashville’s spirit of diversity and inclusiveness, it is fitting that broader more inclusive terms – “place of worship” or “religious institution” – be substituted for “church” throughout the Metropolitan Code of Laws.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Section 2.28.130 (Laws and ordinances—Enforcement authority) of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting the word “churches” in Subsection E and substituting in lieu thereof “places of worship”.

Section 2. That Section 6.04.080 (Metal signs on street markers) is hereby amended by deleting the words “church” and “churches” in Subsection A and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship” and “places of worship”, respectively.

Section 3. That Section 7.08.010 (Definitions) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” and its definition, and by further adding the following new term and definition:

"Place of worship" means a building or property where a congregation regularly meets at least one day per week for religious worship.

Section 4. That Section 7.08.040 (Application—Requirements and conditions) is hereby amended by deleting the word “churches” in Subsection B and substituting in lieu thereof “places of worship”.

Section 5. That Section 7.08.090 (Location restrictions) is hereby amended by deleting the words “church” and “churches” in Subsection A.1 and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship” and “places of worship”, respectively; and by deleting the word “church” in Subsection A.3 and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship.”

Section 6. That Section 7.08.105 (Caterer’s permit) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” that appears three (3) times in Subsection E and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship”.

Section 7. That Section 7.16.110 (Location restrictions) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” in Subsections A, C, F and G and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship”.

Section 8. That Section 10.48.010 (Definitions) is hereby amended by deleting the word “churches” within the definition of “Public swimming pool” and substituting in lieu thereof “places of worship”.

Section 9. That Section 11.28.120 (Location of certain businesses restricted near places frequented by minors) is hereby amended by deleting the word “churches” in Subsections A, B, and C and substituting in lieu thereof “places of worship”.

Section 10. That Section 12.48.20 (Curb loading zones) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” in Subsection D and substituting in lieu thereof “place of worship”.

Section 11. That Section 17.04.060 (Definitions of general terms) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” that appears beneath the definition of “Wind energy facility (utility)” in subsection 5 defining “Occupied building” and substituting in lieu thereof “religious institution”.

Section 12. That Section 17.20.030 (Parking requirements established) is hereby amended by deleting the word “church” and “churches” in Subsection F and substituting in lieu thereof “religious institution” and “religious institutions” respectively.

Section 13. Be it further enacted, that this ordinance shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Sheri Weiner, Dave Rosenberg, Fabian Bedne, Nick Leonardo, Jeremy Elrod, Brett Withers, Colby Sledge, Angie Henderson, Steve Glover, Anthony Davis, Jeff Syracuse, Bob Mendes, Robert Swope, Freddie O'Connell, Kevin Rhoten, Mina Johnson, Larry Hagar, Burkley Allen, Brenda Haywood

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	March 21, 2017
Passed First Reading:	March 21, 2017
Referred to:	Planning Commission - Approved (9-0) Planning, Zoning, & Historical Committee
Public Hearing Scheduled For:	May 2, 2017
Passed Second Reading:	May 2, 2017
Passed Third Reading:	May 16, 2017
Approved:	May 17, 2017
By:
Effective:	May 19, 2017