Church's LED outdoor sign subject of lawsuit

GALVESTON � A local church alleges that a business's failure to secure a permit with the city of Galveston led to the dismantling of its outdoor sign.

Iglesia Monte Calvario alleges Sign of the Times installed an LED sign on the church grounds at a cost of $22,516. According to the complaint filed July 23 in Galveston County District Court, Sign of the Times was responsible for securing any permits necessary for installation and placement of the sign.

The defendant installed the sign in the second half of last year, but Iglesia Monte Calvario claims it later learned the sign required special permits because it was larger than those allowed under the city's sign ordinance. It also displayed flashing lights too close to an intersection or right-of-way, the suit says.

The plaintiff alleges it learned the defendant did not get a proper permit for the sign when the city demanded that it be removed.

According to the original petition, the defendant sought a variance from the provisions of the city's sign ordinance, but the request was denied.

Consequently, Iglesia Monte Calvario seeks unspecified monetary damages.

Attorney Billy A. Williams Jr. of Galveston is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox is presiding over the case.

Case No. 10-cv-2010