BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 This week I got a visit from the town building inspector with a warning that I will be fined $50 a day for each violation of lighting rules. I also found out my radio yard sign and projector screen are prohibited, even in the residential area I am in. The 4th of July star I had up seems to have upset many people this last week. I have 28,000 LEDs for this year- I can use some- but they can't flash. Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 They may be able to overlook some of the violations if approved- but it doesn't sound like for more than about a week during the holiday season. Attached files Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Constantino Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 What a bunch of BS. If it was me I would keep up the lights and just pay the fine for each day the display is on.Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 The CCRs I have are going to be much easier to sequence than I thought. Simply open the LOR hardware test utility and set a static brightness/color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rescue_653 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Hence why I will never live inside of the city limits! I will not answer to a group of corrupt egotistical politicians who think they can control everyone in the city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saul Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 that sucks, how big is the town? you should start a petition, see if you can get the local TV/ radio / new paper involved, then present the petition to the city council. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DownTown Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Steve Constantino wrote: What a bunch of BS. If it was me I would keep up the lights and just pay the fine for each day the display is on.SteveWow Steve, you must be made of money! Assuming that his lights would be on from Dec 1st to the 31st, he'd have $1550 to pay in fines, not including any court costs or fees. Too rich for my blood.As for the laser prohibition, you already can't have outdoor laser displays without FDA and FAA permits.Flashing lights prohibited? That's pretty draconian. I wonder if you have any legal recourse, as it violates your right to celebrate your religious holiday as you normally would...Good luck.D.T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 I will apply for a permit as requested by the planning board. We will see how it goes. I don't want to cause more problems if it can be avoided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Rise Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Rule #1 doesn't apply here unless you're using lasers.Is this a business or are you in a HOA? Never heard any rules like this for a residential area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taybrynn Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Just pay a visit to town council and explain how many smiles you bring to the people each year. Then explain any charities you might support. Then ask for permission to do you show in December and explain how it'll be taken down after, etc.If that doesn't work (suspect it will), then invite the news to come down ... and town would love being known as grinchville. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Rise Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Just did a quick search for my city ordanances. Didn't find anything concerning lighting of any kind. WHEW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Constantino Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 DownTown wrote: Steve Constantino wrote: What a bunch of BS. If it was me I would keep up the lights and just pay the fine for each day the display is on.SteveWow Steve, you must be made of money! Assuming that his lights would be on from Dec 1st to the 31st, he'd have $1550 to pay in fines, not including any court costs or fees. Too rich for my blood.Well it would not be the best use of money, but sometimes you need to do somthing like that just to make a point.Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 Thats amazing..i would have expected it from an HOA, but a town ordinance that says, essentially, any Christmas lights but must be "full on" all the time?Does it explictly say it applies to residential dwellings? Sounds more like a set of rules they would throw at commercial establishments.They about have it covered though..everything from "scintillate", to "intermittent electrical pulsation"...the city council/attorney who wrote that sound like some real fun people.I agree with taybrnn..seems like news media would love this..especially if you are doing any kind of charitable donations with the display.Worst case though, good to see Steve has offered to pay your fines if it comes down to that being your only choice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 DonFL wrote:They about have it covered though..everything from "scintillate", to "intermittent electrical pulsation"...Don't forget color changing. That must be new for the CCBs and CCFs.I'm waiting for a call back from the town inspector. The lady I spoke to at planning and development dept seems to think that this does affect residential property. I could not find in the rule book where it states commercial vs residential. Just says in city limits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOR Staff Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 I am not a lawyer, but I would fully review section 103 and make sure it applies to your 'zone'.http://www.townofblackmountain.org/pdffiles/Updated%20Ordinances/TITLE%20IX.general%20regulations.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 They are having trouble understanding the rules of 103.02. I have spoke to them about the video screen and signs too. I should know soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rescue_653 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 First question is what is your property zoned? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrownOut Posted July 8, 2011 Author Share Posted July 8, 2011 Zone UR8. Sounds like my sign and video screen are going to be the only issue. There are limits to the amount of light pollution allowed in the county but they have has no reported problems. There are special rules for property signs verses services signs- physical size should be the only problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rescue_653 Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 The purpose of this chapter is to develop procedures for the regulation and monitoring of outdoor lighting in those areas currently zoned C-1, C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2, ICD, O-I, TND and MUIf your zoning is close to what it is in Winston Salem these should be Commercial, Industrial, Multi Use but Im not sure what TND is. residential is usually listed as RS and that is not listed in there listing so I truley believe the inspector may be overstepping there boundaries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan.a Posted July 8, 2011 Share Posted July 8, 2011 think you need to jump to 103.20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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