CODE COMPLIANCE FORCES MARKET TO REMOVE EMBLEMATIC WORLD FLAGS

by Clay Dafoe
August 26, 2013

The Hyde Park Market has removed over 20 flags of various nations after being threatened by City of Austin Code Compliance with a hefty fine in the amount of $2,000.00 per day if the flags were not removed.

Community Impact reports that Code Compliance began investigating after a complaint was filed on June 17, even though the international flags had been present at the Hyde Park Market on Duval Street and 45th Street for nearly five years. The City of Austin has deemed the flags classified as "signs" and claims the flags need permits in order to be displayed above the store front. The market has become well known in the neighborhood since 2008 when it transformed from a typical gas station into a lively convenient store selling various gourmet foods, beer, tools and home items.

Hyde Park Market owner Tony Hooman believes the city has overstepped its bounds and is circulating a petition to reinstall the flags at his storefront. Hooman is speaking with an attorney about what he can do to fight the city's threats.

http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/central-austin/hyde-park-market-forced-to/