Following local governmental regulations can be important in preserving the integrity of an area. However, some businesses may face unnecessary pushback from government officials over ordinances that seem unfair or even unjust. In such cases, Minnesota business owners and those elsewhere may have to take legal action.
It was recently reported that a company in another state has filed a lawsuit against the city government due to an ordinance regarding billboards. Apparently, Kenjoh Outdoor Advertising LLC had plans to put up billboards on private property. However, the ordinance within the city indicated that billboards could only go up on property that the city owns or controls. Additionally, the ordinance prevents any noncommercial advertising, such as those relating to political campaigns.
The advertising company believes that the ordinances are unconstitutional. The suit indicates that the company had received permission to move forward with two billboards in February and April of this year. However, when they submitted their applications in May, the city returned them, citing that only digital billboards could go up. The company reapplied and stated that it would use digital billboards instead of static ones, but the applications were rejected again because the placement would not be on city-owned property. The company believes that there is little difference between putting a billboard on city-controlled property and private property.
When dealing with unfair ordinances, it can seem like an unnecessary hassle for companies to have to fight against them. Unfortunately, as this case shows, it is a step that many businesses have to take. If Minnesota companies believe that they are facing pushback on the basis of unjust ordinances or regulations, they may want to look into taking legal action of their own.