CONCORD, N.C. — Some small business owners in downtown Concord are pushing for a city ordinance to be changed after they say it's unfairly costing them money and business.
The city has detailed rules about how businesses can display signs. One rule says window signs and decals are only allowed on the first floor of buildings.
However, there are several businesses on the second floor of buildings downtown. According to the ordinance, their windows must stay clear.
With construction on Union Street making it harder to access some stores and the second floor not getting as much foot traffic, Jason Cunningham, owner of U.S. Bonding, said his window signs are paramount for business.
"If you can’t find the business, you can’t find the location, how are you going to survive?” Cunningham asked.
Cunningham said he has displayed window signs since 2010 with no problems.
However, in January he got a violation from the city, fining him $100 a day until he takes the signs down. He claimed his fines have totaled more than $3,000 since he refuses to take the signs down.
“I do feel singled out,” Cunningham said.
The Cigar Loft next door to U.S. Bonding has also been asked to take its window signs down. Owner Derek Kilgore told WCNC Charlotte he is complying but worries it’ll hurt sales.
"I just feel like I should have the same rights and privileges as a business on the ground floor," Kilgore said.
The ordinance says instead of window signs, second-floor businesses can have signs on exterior walls or signs that hang from above.
"What’s the difference having a sign stuck on glass, versus having a sign the same size stuck on brick," asked Cunningham.
A city spokesperson told WCNC Charlotte, “staff has met on-site with business owners found to be in violation to assist them and help identify solutions.”
They added the city has a grant program to help pay for new signage.
The ordinance says the purpose of banning window signs on the second level is to “maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment” of Concord and “to improve pedestrian and traffic safety.”
However, it doesn’t make sense to Cunningham or Kilgore.
"I just think we need to take another look at it as a city," Kilgore said.
They plan to talk to Concord City Council about amending the ordinance to make things fairer for second-level businesses.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.