Protect Small Business, Protect the Rift
The Issue
Please Note: This petition is not seeking any monetary support or donations.
Wilmington we need your help!
On June 18th 2026, the Rift and its attorney appeared in front of the Board of Adjustments to fight a local land use code.
On, January 12th, after being open nearly a year we were issued citations saying that we weren’t allowed any amplified sound outdoors. That’s right ANY. Not just live music. But any music or outdoor amplified sound of any kind! They even went as far to say that people couldn’t play sound through their phone outside on our lawn.
We have been told by the city there is one complainant about meritless noise violations and the lone complainant is not even one of our immediate surrounding neighbors. To be clear, the Wilmington Police Department, Fire Department and New Hanover County Inspections Divisions have all weighed in on this matter and have been tough but fair. We appreciate their patience and hard work.
This issue is about an unclearly written code that is left open to interpretation which gives the opportunity for one anonymous complainant to target a business without their intentions being justified or being transparent.
This is not just about The Rift. It’s about all of us. The Rift's issue is a blueprint to target any business.
So we are asking for your help!
Write your city council and tell them that you support small business, The Rift, and especially transparent, fair laws that allow businesses to thrive while respecting their neighbors. The city noise ordinance is a sufficient start! They are trying to silence our business. Please don’t let them silence you. Act now.
Thank you, and we appreciate your support!
Write to your city council members today:
City council, we support The Rift and the ability to house local artists, and outdoor activities with fair, reasonable, and respectful land use laws. We are asking that you clarify the land use code and enforce all codes to be followed equally by all businesses.
Mayor Bill Saffo
bill.saffo@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.341.7815
Council Member Chakema Clinton-Quintana
Chakema.Clinton-Quintana@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.473.4060
Council Member JC Lyle
jc.lyle@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.632.0923
Council Member Cassidy Santaguida
cassidy.santaguida@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.367.5543
Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Spears
kevin.spears@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.795.5378
Council Member Salette Andrews
salette.andrews@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.520.1851
Council Member David Joyner
david.joyner@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.594.4819
3,488
The Issue
Please Note: This petition is not seeking any monetary support or donations.
Wilmington we need your help!
On June 18th 2026, the Rift and its attorney appeared in front of the Board of Adjustments to fight a local land use code.
On, January 12th, after being open nearly a year we were issued citations saying that we weren’t allowed any amplified sound outdoors. That’s right ANY. Not just live music. But any music or outdoor amplified sound of any kind! They even went as far to say that people couldn’t play sound through their phone outside on our lawn.
We have been told by the city there is one complainant about meritless noise violations and the lone complainant is not even one of our immediate surrounding neighbors. To be clear, the Wilmington Police Department, Fire Department and New Hanover County Inspections Divisions have all weighed in on this matter and have been tough but fair. We appreciate their patience and hard work.
This issue is about an unclearly written code that is left open to interpretation which gives the opportunity for one anonymous complainant to target a business without their intentions being justified or being transparent.
This is not just about The Rift. It’s about all of us. The Rift's issue is a blueprint to target any business.
So we are asking for your help!
Write your city council and tell them that you support small business, The Rift, and especially transparent, fair laws that allow businesses to thrive while respecting their neighbors. The city noise ordinance is a sufficient start! They are trying to silence our business. Please don’t let them silence you. Act now.
Thank you, and we appreciate your support!
Write to your city council members today:
City council, we support The Rift and the ability to house local artists, and outdoor activities with fair, reasonable, and respectful land use laws. We are asking that you clarify the land use code and enforce all codes to be followed equally by all businesses.
Mayor Bill Saffo
bill.saffo@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.341.7815
Council Member Chakema Clinton-Quintana
Chakema.Clinton-Quintana@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.473.4060
Council Member JC Lyle
jc.lyle@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.632.0923
Council Member Cassidy Santaguida
cassidy.santaguida@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.367.5543
Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Spears
kevin.spears@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.795.5378
Council Member Salette Andrews
salette.andrews@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.520.1851
Council Member David Joyner
david.joyner@wilmingtonnc.gov
910.594.4819
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Petition created on June 10, 2026