The city's building and zoning department sent letters dated Oct. 25 to the owners of two properties, informing them that "banners and stakes" posted at the property exceed the square footage allowed by zoning rules, the Springfield State Journal-Register reported Thursday.

Follow-up letters sent on Tuesday said the matter has been referred to the city's legal office.

Calvin Mabus, whose home is one of the properties cited by the city, said Wednesday he took down a banner after he received the letter, but he will not remove a wooden sign from in front of his home, even if the city asks directly.

"Putting signs in your yard is as old as the election process itself," Mabus said. "What's more important -- preserving our national sovereignty or worrying about a stupid little sign?"

Springfield's zoning rules allow homes to display temporary signs that are no larger than 12 square feet. Temporary signs supporting political candidates are only allowed within 60 days of the election, which would be Dec. 7 for the Feb. 5 Illinois state primary.