A Pevely, Missouri homeowner forced to shut down holiday display after the the local government believes his Halloween decorations are a "business."
For years, Justin Lenhard turned his house into a full blown holiday light show, complete with music. However, this year Lenhard received a cease-and-desist from the city of Pevely.
“We had two neighbors complain to city hall,” Lenhard says, “Then [the city] proclaimed it a business and I have to get special permits.”
Lenhard isn’t making any money from his display. so its declaration as a business by the city is being challenged. He does take donations, but it all goes to the Jefferson County Rescue Mission. The letter from the city's attorney states, "We have found that you will need to acquire a special use permit as we are considering this light show a business. We have come to this conclusion due to the fact that this has been advertised along with having specific time slots of operations. You will need to cease operations immediately until you obtain a special use permit issued by the City of Pevely," according to Fox 2.
He plans to take the fight to Pevely City Hall Monday night. He says "many, many people" play to show up and speak in support of him.
“This is a huge overstep in city government,” Lenhard says. “If nothing happens, then we’ll go to court ... But hopefully something good can come out of this. I want to work with the city and let's bring something positive. A lot of people enjoy this. It was just something wonderful for the community."
Justin Lenhard joins Marc Cox this morning to tell his story.
© KFTK (Audacy) All Rights Reserved. | Photo by Jason Lenhard, Lenhard Family Light Show
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