Raleigh, N.C. — To show his patriotism, Raleigh store manager David Brown flies the American flag, but the city said he and a neighboring business both have too many flags and that there’s a limit on how many you can display.

“This store was opened in 1999, and those flags have been up there since 1999,” Brown said.

Raleigh code allows for three flags to fly. The Fiddle Stix that Brown manages has seven, so the city said four flags must wave goodbye.

Just south on Capital Boulevard, Martin Auto Haus flies 10 flags and has been told to temper its display.

“We've had our flags up since we opened this business and haven't thought about taking them down,” said business owner Kevin Powell.

He said the flags are his tribute to those serving overseas.

“The people that are serving our country, they have to see that we're supporting them,” Powell said. “Until they come back home, we're going to keep our flags up.”

City officials said the choice in a three-flag maximum or a $500 fine.

“If the city tells us to take them down, come Sunday, we'll take them down,” Brown said. “I just want to make sure all the veterans in North Carolina and the city of Raleigh know what the city is trying to do with our flags.”

The stores have until Sunday to take down the flags. Store owners said they were told the orders they received were part of an effort to clean up Capital Boulevard.