"You can't turn your home into a wedding chapel"

September 30, 2009 - A 7000 square-foot mansion on Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates has allegedly been rented out to the public by owner, Melahat Uzumcu; for weddings and to vacationers, which would be a violation of city ordinances. Uzumcu will be arraigned Tuesday in Torrance Superior Court on charges of violating zoning codes, public nuisance and conducting a business without a license. The maximum penalty that she risks facing is 2-years in jail and a $4,000 fine.

Caution, City says you can't:

Universal Life Church Monastery suggests that prior to using a private space for public weddings, you must realize that your neighbors and the city through its various agencies, including the building department, fire department, health department and land use department – must approve of your action first or you will face the same consequences that many wedding chapels are running into. We do believe that a religious wedding is protected by the First Amendment provisions; “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” However, you will face the consequences of arguing that issue in a court of law at your expense against government bureaucrats who may not agree with you.

Source: LA Times
Photo: Steve McCrank