GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A popular Grand Rapids steakhouse is planning to hold its ground after being notified that its flags honoring fallen police officers and military veterans are in violation of city zoning ordinances.

Johnny Brann Sr., owner of Brann's Steakhouse & Grille, said he will appeal to the city for a sign variance -- an exception to the signage ordinance. Regardless of the city's decision though, he doesn't plan to take down the signage.

"Everyone should honor our fallen heroes," Brann Sr. said. "At least two of the families said, 'We don't want our sons to be forgotten,' and I'm making sure they're not. I'm honoring those who protect our lives and our freedom."

The city's managing director of Design and Development, Suzanne Schulz, said the issue isn't with the content of the signage, but rather the number of signs, which violates a city ordinance.

Grand Rapids zoning ordinances allow businesses to have one of each type of sign -- banner, projection, flag, etc. -- per street frontage. A building isn't allowed more than three flags on any one lot, and each flag can't exceed a size of 5 feet by 8 feet.

The city cannot regulate signage content, according to a 2014 Supreme Court ruling, Reed v. Town of Gilbert.

"We completely respect Mr. Brann's First Amendment rights to say whatever he wants to say on his signs," Schulz said. "Our enforcement has nothing to do with the message he's trying to convey about police. It's simply about the number of the signs.

"I can't determine what's objectionable. This isn't about the message. Legally, it can't be about the message."

Since at least October 2017, the steakhouse at 401 Leonard St. has had seven flags and a banner decorating two sides of the building.

On the Leonard Street-facing side, there's an American flag and a "Thin Blue Line" flag honoring law enforcement. On the Turner Avenue-facing side, there are five flags honoring fallen U.S. veterans and police officers, a banner with the same names listed, and a sign thanking police for their service.

It's unclear how long the signage has been up, but Brann says it's been years. A recent complaint to the city regarding the number of flags and banners sparked the city's investigation and subsequent notice of violation this spring.

Brann said he believes there should be an exception based on the content of his flags. He's planning to request a signage variance with the city's zoning board of appeals -- an appeal process that comes with a $1,349 bill.

Schulz said the fee accounts for sending out public notices of the appeal hearing, as well as paying for a recording secretary.

During the process, Brann would have to prove there's something unique about his property that requires it to need additional signage, Schulz said. If he isn't successful, he can take the case to circuit court.

When news of Brann's signage disagreement began to spread, a GoFundMe account was created to support Brann by raising money to cover the appeal process and any fines that he received for the signs.

The account raised almost $3,000 from at least 79 people, including multiple police officers.

Brann is appreciative of the support. He plans to give any excess money to a police-related charity.

"Hopefully, we can come together," he said. "I have no intention of taking down those flags or the names on the side of the building."

The city hasn't fined the restaurant owner yet, or done any other type of enforcement beyond providing the initial notice. If Brann requests a variance, enforcement is stayed until the zoning board of appeals makes a decision.

Schulz said her office plans to meet with Brann in the near future.

"This is not a statement against Mr. Brann and his beliefs," Schulz said. "I'm hopeful we can work through this with him to find alternatives that meet what he'd like to achieve within the framework of the ordinance."