FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) – A Tennessee homeowner who’s known for his over-the-top Halloween displays is being haunted by a city flag ordinance.

For 25 years, Duane Charlton has put up the spooky display, which includes several flags, at his home near Nashville.

Now, the city of Franklin is cracking down on him, citing a longstanding ordinance that limits the number of flags he can have.

Not decorating for Halloween is the scariest thing Charlton can think of.

“The joy that the neighbors and the kids all get,” Charlton suggested as a reason for decorating.

With that being said, Charlton’s display is technically against the city of Franklin’s ordinance.

It’s not because of the ghosts, aliens or sea monsters, but because he has too many flags.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and now, all of a sudden, I’m a bad guy,” Charlton said.

The longtime Franklin ordinance is pretty clear; there’s a limit of three flags per lot.

Charlton says he is just confused.

“What harm does that flag do?” Charlton asked. “To have to make a rule that you can only have so many flags.”

It’s actually not the first time Charlton has been cited for having too many flags. In September, he said he felt like he was being penalized for his patriotism.

“This is a symbol I’m going to fight for so we don’t lose it,” Charlton previously said.

Charlton received several warnings, then a citation and was summoned to court.

“I took all the flags down to comply with the ordinance,” Charlton said.

He was reluctant to wave the “white flag,” but felt like he had no choice given the potentially costly fines.

“Just because I live in Franklin don’t mean I’m rich,” Charlton remarked.

But Charlton ultimately decided to risk another citation and keep his decadeslong Halloween tradition intact, flags included.

“I’m not a fighter, but I’m not one to back down either when I think I’m right,” Charlton stated.

Charlton’s fight caught the attention of the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

On Tuesday night, the city officials weighed the pros and cons of making a change, but did not make a final decision.

In the meantime, Charlton plans to remain unwavering.

“They’ve got more important things than a piece of cloth,” Charlton said.

It’s unclear when the city will make its decision.