Red Oak homeowners say city is targeting them over anti-data center yard signs
Red Oak homeowners are challenging the city's issuance of compliance notices for "No data center" yard signs, arguing it's selective enforcement to silence their First Amendment rights. The city states the notices are for ordinance compliance, not a prohibition of the signs. A Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled to discuss further approvals for data centers.
Homeowners in Red Oak, Texas, are currently in a dispute with the city over yard signs opposing proposed data center developments. At least eight residents received notices of compliance last week from the City of Red Oak for displaying "No data center" signs, which have become prevalent in neighborhoods near potential development sites.
Residents, including those cited, argue that the city is engaging in selective enforcement of its code to suppress their opposition and infringe upon their First Amendment rights. They claim other types of signs have not resulted in similar code violations. The notices informed homeowners that they needed a permit for such signs or faced fines.
In response to inquiries from CBS News Texas, the city released a statement asserting that the notices were issued to request compliance with an ordinance, clarifying that residents are not prohibited from displaying signs on private property. Meanwhile, the Red Oak Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet tonight at 6:30 PM to discuss further approvals for data center projects, a move residents are actively monitoring.