PITTSBURGH -- Under a proposed amendment to Pittsburgh's historic preservation code, places of worship would be exempt from nomination for historic status by anyone other than the owners of the structures.

According to the Associated Press, the measure, expected to be introduced Monday, has pitted church leaders against area preservationists. The latter is arguing that the change would create a two-tier system for property owners.

Yet religious leaders contend that having a place of worship declared historic can create a financial burden for congregations already facing tight budgets.

Any planned renovation or demolition of a building that has been nominated must wait until the city's Historic Review Commission has made a ruling on its status. If the building does receive an historic designation, renovations from that point on must be approved.

"We believe to force historic designation on houses of worship carries a real threat of requiring them to divert limited financial resources from schools and social service agencies toward much more costly maintenance of buildings," said the Rev. Ron Lengwin, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. "It is an unwarranted intrusion in their function and mission."

The chairman of the Historic Review Commission voiced opposition to the bill.

"I can't imagine there is a worse thing for a community to do than identify two classes of citizens," said Chairman Mark DeSantis. "You either make laws that apply to everyone or make laws that apply to no one."