HANOVER COUNTY, Va. – A holiday home display has caused controversy in a Hanover neighborhood. But it turns out the tacky lights weren’t the problem, rather it was the music that plays along with them.
A neighbor's complaint lead sheriff's deputies to the house because of the loud music synced with their light display.
Cindy Mullenix, who lives next door, said she didn’t complain, but said the display keeps her family up at night.
"I'm the only one that will stand up against these people, because I'm tired of this," Mullenix said.
The homeowner, James Winkler, said he received a warning this time.
However, residents could face a $500 fine for violating the county noise ordinance, which states loud music is not allowed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
"10 o'clock lights on is ok," one neighbor said. "But the music you need to turn it off or turn it down because everybody has to work."
WTVR CBS 6 looked into the number of loud noise complaints in Hanover County.
Noise complaints in Hanover County
Overall, in 2014 there was a huge decrease in the number of complaints. But this year, the complaints increased slightly in September.
Other localities also have noise restrictions.
In Chesterfield, loud noise is not allowed between midnight and 7 a.m.
And neighbors are prohibited from playing loud noise in both Henrico and the City of Richmond between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
If you are caught violating the law, you could face up to a $500 fine.
As for Cindy Mullenix - she just asking for a quieter holiday.
"If they want to have their music. Their holiday stuff. Keep it to a simple volume where they don't disturb everybody else," said Mullinex.
Winkler, who said he has been putting his holiday display up for five years, said his intent was not to offend anyone in the neighborhood, but spread a little holiday cheer during a stressful time.
Tacky lights house.
