TROY, ID – The City of Troy has filed its formal response to a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit that challenges the city’s denial of a conditional use permit for Christ Church. The federal complaint, filed in May, alleges Troy violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act by preventing the congregation from holding services in the city’s historic downtown district.
In its filing, Troy argued that the denial was consistent with a community-driven planning process developed over more than a decade. City officials said the federal government is attempting to override municipal authority and undermine local decisions that protect Troy’s two-block commercial core. Mayor Bill Abbott said the case has implications for small communities across the country. “If the federal government can override our community’s planning decisions, then local democracy becomes meaningless,” Abbott said. “We’re not just defending Troy—we’re defending the principle that communities have the right to preserve their character and economic future.”
The response cites the city’s 2012 and 2021 comprehensive plans, which directed commercial development toward Main Street and State Highway 8. Troy maintains that Christ Church was given the same notice, hearings and appeals process as any other applicant and that the decision was based on land use considerations rather than religion. City leaders also said the frequency of proposed services, which could range from once a week to several times per week with up to 150 attendees, would overwhelm parking and disrupt the walkable design of downtown.
Troy pointed to the former Troy High School property, located about 800 feet from the disputed site, as a suitable alternative location for church services. The city said the facility, which has hosted Christ Church events in the past, provides adequate space and parking without altering the historic business district.
In addition to defending the city’s zoning authority, Troy argued that the Justice Department lacks jurisdiction because the case does not involve interstate commerce or federal funding. City Attorney Todd Richardson said the stakes extend beyond the local dispute. “Small communities across America are watching this case because it will determine whether local democracy survives federal micromanagement,” Richardson said.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks to compel Troy to allow Christ Church to use the disputed property and to require city officials to undergo training on federal religious discrimination laws. The case, United States v. City of Troy, remains pending in U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. No ruling has yet been issued.