DETROIT – Out of the blue last year, John King got two calls. One was from "Business Insider" saying they were naming his book shop the second best book store in the world. Then, CNN called and said they were naming the shop "one of the coolest bookstores in the world."
"I thought it was terrific, so I put up a banner," King said.
Fans of the store have noticed the two new banners, and so did the city's building department. They may not look like much, but the banners are actually illegal.
The inspector didn't walk in and alert King that he needed a permit for the banners. Instead, he sent a letter ordering King to "immediately remove illegal sign or banners as no permit has been secured for installation, submit an application and secure the required building permit for installation of signs and/or banners" and "pay special inspection fee (of) $268.00 for work done without a permit."
"If the city was trying to be professional, the inspector would come in and say, 'Hi, you have a problem. There is an ordinance you don't know about and we can help. This is what you have to do to make them legitimate."
King said the way the inspector has dealt with him is no way to treat his business that's bringing business to Detroit because the store is a tourist attraction.
"I'm not mad at them, I'm just irritated," King said.
The city said rules are rules -- businesses must pay for permits for banners.
City officials said it they are working with King, waiving the fine, and that they are giving some time to remove the banners.
King said he'll cooperate and that the banners that have brought in business will come down.
"It's not like crazy Eddie's electronics; it's something positive for the city," Kind said.