American flag shouldn’t be regulated like other flags or banners, Great Falls groups says

The American flag shouldn’t just be thrown in with other flags or commercial banners in Fairfax County, a Great Falls residents group says.

The Great Falls Citizens Association Board has introduced a resolution to make the American flag exempt from a recently proposed Fairfax County zoning amendment that would make flag displays more uniform.

WEIGH IN: Should county government restrict the size of a U.S. flag you can fly on your property?

READ MORE: Fairfax County husky and babies go viral on TikTok

Currently, the county does not have any zoning regulations regarding flags.

According to Great Falls Connection, the board believes the amendment to the zoning ordinance is "too restrictive."

READ MORE: Virginia woman delivers over 400 handmade cards to nursing home residents for Valentine’s Day

In a letter the community publication obtained by FOX 5, the association told the county that they believe "the United States flag should be exempt from this ordinance."

In its current form, the amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance would regulate the height of flags - depending on the kinds of property they’re displayed on.

In addition, it would make the distance between multiple flags on display uniform, and also determine how far they need to be from street lines.

The leadership of the Great Falls citizens group believes that language in the amendment suggests that the American flag will be grouped in with other flags or banners "regardless of content."

Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather

FOX 5's Ayesha Khan spoke with a restaurant owner and residents of Great Falls Wednesday who weighed in. 

"I don’t think they should regulate any flags to be honest with you, but if they will regulate them all then lump in the American flag as well," said Danny Pain.

"I think it’s your house, it’s your kingdom," said Tina Woolston.

"I don’t think there should be a size requirement or an establishment or any flag size I mean it’s a democracy," said Steve Laskin.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission is voting on flag regulations tonight.

Additional comments from the Great Falls group are available on the Great Falls Connection website.