Germantown may repeal holiday decorations ordinance: Here's why

Mar 12, 2025

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen will consider repealing the city's holiday decorations ordinance, which has recently come under fire.

According to the city, following a comprehensive review with administration and city attorneys, it was recommended that the ordinance be eliminated.

"Following a recent review, the City Attorney has raised concerns about the ordinance’s legality," Germantown's City administrator Jason Huisman said. "The Board will discuss the proposed repeal as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure City ordinances align with legal standards and community priorities."

The agenda for Monday's board meeting includes a first reading on repealing the ordinance. Germantown is required to have three readings on the proposed change.

A Germantown resident recently took legal action against Germantown over the holiday decorations ordinance. In February, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) field a lawsuit on behalf of Alexis Luttrell in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee against the City of Germantown.

Luttrell's lawsuit claims Germantown’s holiday decorations ordinance violates the First Amendment by dictating to residents how and when they’re allowed to display holiday decorations.

Luttrell received a citation over her use of giant skeleton decorations in various outdoor holiday displays, which is against Germantown’s current ordinance. Luttrell was scheduled for a Feb. 13 court date in Germantown Municipal Court, but that was continued until March 13.

Germantown has filed to stay court proceedings until April 25, which would allow the parties to pursue a resolution without going to court.

FIRE declined to comment Thursday about Germantown's decision to look at repealing the ordinance.

Germantown code pertaining to holiday, seasonal and special decorations states:

"Holiday and seasonal decorations, including, but not limited to, holiday lights on houses or in the yard or shrubbery, yard ornaments or decorations, and the like, shall not be installed or placed more than 45 days before the date of the holiday for which said decorations are intended and shall be removed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days, following the date of the holiday for which said decorations were intended. Holiday lights, even if not illuminated, are not permitted to remain on any house or structure year-round.

"Temporary residential and non-residential lighting displays shall not be installed or placed more than ten days prior to the special event and no more than 30 days total."

Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at [email protected] or 901-293-1610. To keep up with the latest news from the Shelby County suburbs, sign up here for our Suburban Pulse weekly newsletter.