MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Germantown resident incorporated Halloween decorations into a Christmas display, not knowing she was getting the city into trouble.
In October, Alexis Luttrell placed a skeleton and a skeleton dog in her yard and later dressed them up. In December, she received a notice that the decoration violated city code.
“I got word the other day that I needed to appear in court,” Latrell said. “The code they said I violated was that I left the seasonal decorations out for too long.”
Courtesy: Alexis Luttrell
Pursuant to Ordinance 11-33, holiday and seasonal decorations shall not be installed or placed more than 45 days before the scheduled holiday date and shall be removed within a reasonable time (not to exceed 30 days) on the holiday for which said decorations are scheduled after date.
Luttrell said she purchased the skeletons to display in her yard year-round and believes it explains what a Christmas decoration is.
“When it comes time to interpret guidelines, the courts side with expressions. So for this law enforcement officer to say that these are not Christmas decorations or the Valentine’s Day decorations that they are about to become, it’s just going too far,” Leuter said. Rael said.
Tickets for holiday decoration violations. Courtesy: Alexis Luttrell
Luttrell, who has a law degree, plans to fight the subpoena in municipal court. Luttrell said she posted a message on a Germantown Facebook group page that she was looking for an attorney and received responses from several attorneys and individuals who wanted to donate to her legal fund.
“It may seem trivial, but it’s very frustrating not being able to express myself because, frankly, I’ve bought decorations for Pride Month,” Latrell said. “Everything I do is as a resident; I vote, I take care of my yard. I do my thing. I’m not a nasty person, and one of the things I love is being able to express something interesting. I The community I lived in also used to do this.
Luttrell said Germantown needs to take more time to address clear violations of city ordinances and believes many citizens feel the same way.
Latest winter storm: Several inches of snow expected
The city said Luttrell was allowed to rectify the situation before being summoned to court.
“Any fines will be considered as part of the court proceedings. Residents will still have the opportunity to resolve the issue before court and will only be responsible for court costs,” Economic and Community Development Director Cameron Ross said.
Luttrell is scheduled to appear in court on February 13.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit WREG.com.
