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

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

The county said that on October 25, its leadership had a meeting with the party to discuss the situation.

“The North Carolina Building Code requires a permit for signs six feet or taller, but because this sign was determined to be a political sign, it was determined that it would be considered a temporary sign and would not require no license but be removed from office after the election,” a county statement said.

This is consistent with what the party said earlier in the month: that the county had the sign removed on the condition that it be removed within 30 days of the election.

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