Brunswick County responds to claims of unfair enforcement of political signaling rules

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Brunswick County said it is still investigating claims that its staff violated the First Amendment by unfairly enforcing rules against a political board that supports Democratic candidates.

Brunswick County Democratic Party claimed in a press release on October 7stating that the sign was installed in June and was approximately 10 feet tall. The five-foot height limit was imposed on their signs via a stop-work order and a $200 fine, but the party says similar Republican Party signs were left alone.

The province said management met with the party on October 25 to discuss the situation.

“The North Carolina Building Code does require a permit for signs 6 feet or higher, but since this sign was determined to be a political sign, it was decided that it would be considered a temporary sign and would not require a permit, but will be removed after the elections,” according to an announcement from the province.

This is consistent with what the party said earlier this month: that the province allowed the sign to be removed with the stipulation that it be removed within 30 days of the election.