MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Germantown resident who incorporated Halloween decorations into her Christmas display had no idea she would get in trouble with the city.
Alexis Luttrell placed a skeleton and a skeleton dog in her yard in October and later dressed them up for the holidays. In December, she received a notice that the decor violated city code.
“I recently got something that said I had to appear in court,” Luttrell said. “The code they say I'm breaking is that I keep seasonal decorations on too long.”
Thanks to: Alexis Luttrell
According to Regulation 11-33, holiday and seasonal decorations may not be installed or placed more than 45 days before the date of the holiday for which the said decorations are intended and may be removed within a reasonable period of time, which may not exceed 30 days . following the date of the holiday for which the said decorations are intended.
Luttrell said she purchased the skeletons for displays in the garden throughout the year and believes it is open to interpretation as to what qualifies as Christmas decorations.
“When it comes to interpretation of the code, courts err on the side of expression. So for this person who enforces the code to say that these don't count as Christmas decorations or what will soon be Valentine's Day decorations, that's really over the top,” Luttrell said.
Citation for holiday decor violation. Thanks to: Alexis Luttrell
Luttrell, who has a law degree, plans to fight the charges in court. Luttrell said she posted on a Germantown Facebook group page that she was looking for an attorney and has received responses from several attorneys and individuals who want to contribute to her legal fund.
“It may seem trivial, but it's very frustrating not being able to express myself because honestly, I already bought decorations for pride month,” Luttrell said. “As a resident I do everything; I vote and take care of my garden. I do the things I have to do. I'm not a bother and the only thing I like is being able to express something nice. I've lived in neighborhoods where we've done that.”
Luttrell said Germantown needs to spend more time addressing clear violations of city ordinances and believes many citizens feel the same way.
Latest winter storm: several centimeters of snow expected
The city said Luttrell was allowed to remedy the situation before being summoned to court.
“Any fine will be considered as part of the legal proceedings. The resident would still have the opportunity to settle the matter prior to the court date and would be solely responsible for court costs,” said Community Economic Development Director Cameron Ross.
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.
