If your church belongs to a denomination, the diocese, presbytery, council, elder board or other group, they may have authority over your property or spending. Ensure you have proper approval according to your context. Looping those parties in from the start will help smooth the way for approval when the time comes. These approvals can often take a lot of time, so start these conversations early and lead with relationship and vision.

You’ll also need approvals from the city.  Permits are required for any demolition, digging, landscaping, and/or construction. Permits can take longer than expected, so be aware that your timeline could get pushed back during this phase. Don’t be discouraged! Trust in God’s sovereignty over the process, remain faithful in prayer, and persist with patience. Unless the Lord builds the house, its laborers toil in vain. Also consider hiring permit expediters, who are usually well worth the added cost. 

You also may need to get permission for zoning changes, land use adjustments, or other related issues. In this phase, you’ll likely be engaging with the DC Office of Planning, DC Regulatory Affairs, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. 

There are a lot of different parties to navigate, so it’s important your “internal champion” has clear communication skills. Remember those teams you built? Engage those people. Land use and housing finance experts can be helpful here as these processes can be long and complicated, and lawyers or other experts can help expedite the process.

Another source of approval that may be less formal than a permit but has equal potential to make or break your project: the community. Neighbors and even community activists outside your neighborhood can be vocally opposed to development projects for a variety of reasons. They can block approvals and permits, so it is critical that your church and CDC be present at community meetings, community events, ANC proceedings, and any zoning hearings. Do your research so you can make the argument as to why this community needs your development! Be sure you can answer the following questions:

1. What’s the history of the community? Historic Preservation battles are common, and knowing your history can save your project. Pastor Daniels of Emory Fellowship faced an intense historic preservation battle, but was able to win approval by knowing his community’s history better than those trying to oppose the project on historic grounds.

2. What are the demonstrated needs in your community that your project is fulfilling?

3. What value are you adding to the community?

4. What are the demographics of your community and how does your development fit in or challenge that? Why is that important?

Virtually every neighborhood in the District needs more affordable housing, yet virtually every neighborhood has residents trying to block it. Your church is an anchor of the community, so don’t back down in the face of opposition. Utilize relationships with respected community leaders who can help champion your project.