Camping World may avoid flag fines in Greenville, North Carolina, if a new state law is signed. “No city shall adopt or enforce an ordinance that prohibits or restricts, or has the effect of prohibiting or restricting, a property owner from displaying a flag of the United States of America or the State of North Carolina,” reads Section 17a of North Carolina House Bill 926, now on Governor Josh Stein’s desk. The legislation would allow cities to regulate flags only for public safety reasons, requiring written documentation of any concerns.
Camping World flag fines draw mixed opinions
The massive flag at the Greenville RV dealership has drawn attention for nearly a year. The city cited Camping World in January for displaying a flag “nearly 15 times the allowable size on non-residential property,” sparking a Greenville, North Carolina, flag controversy.
Some residents support the city’s action. Leon Bosman said, “I believe the American flag should be waved. We’re an American country. It’s only right and decent that they allow the flag, but this is a bit excessive. It’s a very large flag, and it’s a bit of a distraction to those who might see it.”
Others back the display and oppose the ordinance. Jashon Barron said, “I feel like people should be allowed to do what they want. It’s a flag. I mean, it’s not much of an eyesore. It’s America. People in the city should have the right to put up whatever flag they want to.”
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has been vocal in defending the display. “The flag? It’s never coming down,” he said. “Over the last several years, I’ve had a number of run-ins with local city officials and governments over my raising of the flag.” He added, “I’ll never take it down. And the reason for that is it’s my love letter as an immigrant to this country, who, quite frankly, was given a gift.”
Not the first Camping World flag issue hotspot
The Greenville location is not the first Camping World site to face legal challenges over flag displays. Similar disputes occurred in San Joaquin County, California, and Sevierville, Tennessee, highlighting tensions between local ordinances and private property rights.
The proposed law, known as the Regulatory Reform Act of 2025, limits cities to regulating the “manner and placement” of flags only when necessary for public health and safety. “A city may adopt an ordinance to reasonably regulate the manner and placement of the display of a flag… only when necessary to protect public health and safety; provided, however, enforcement of the ordinance as to a particular property shall require evaluation of and written findings of fact documenting the public health and safety concerns justifying enforcement of the ordinance at that particular property,” the bill states.
Greenville City Council member Portia Willis expressed disappointment in the legislation. “As an elected official, I recognize that there are moments when state intervention is appropriate to ensure consistency, fairness, or public safety across jurisdictions. However, this issue with Camping World was not one of those moments, and I am disappointed. The decision to override the authority of our local government undermines the will of the voters who elected their leaders to represent their community’s unique needs and values. Local governance is a cornerstone of our democracy, and when it’s bypassed without compelling reason, it erodes public trust. We are continuing to monitor to see the outcome of this bill,” she said.
Sources include: WITN and FOX 40
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RVT1229b
The violation predates any changes in the state law. They are still responsible for any and all fines incurred prior to any change, if it happens.
Plus, the problem is NOT flying the flag. It restricts height and size. No different than having the large electronic signs installed which most jurisdictions control.
Also, looking at the pictures, it could also be a public safety problem. If that tall pole would fall, it’s possible it would land in the parking lot or road and public walkway surrounding the property.
IMHO, flying the Flag of The USA is not even a little bit similar to a large electronic sign advertising everything from Lawyers to Strip Clubs. Not even similar.
“If that large pole falls down”….hypothetically, possibly, maybe, could happen, potentially happen….. yikes what if anything bad happens? What if a Frisbee should happen to ricochet off that tall pole and hits someone’s poodle in the shin bone. Awful… just Awful. Save the poodles, tear down that flag pole. It is a potential hazard to poodles.
It’s always been about the size and placement of the flag, not just the showing of it…it did not adhere to the current local zoning, so it’s out of code.
Totally understand that. I’m simply saying our national flag is not and never will be comparable to a large neon sign advertising an ambulance chaser.
Happy trails Bill 😎 ✌️
Just proves that if you have enough money you can buy your way out of anything and don’t have to obey any laws. What a disgrace our country has become.
Getting better by the day though.
Ron, I would mostly agree with your first sentence, but not the second one.
The rich and powerful have generally been able to buy their way out of troubles regardless of political affiliation or where in the world they reside. This has been so for millenia and is nothing new.
Our country is still a beacon of hope and has done more to save the free world than any other in history. We are certainly not a disgrace.
The old “behind the back” green wave. Better known as a “BRIBE”. So how much did CW donate, give or pay state elected officials to look the other way while screwing the locals over? CW should still have to pay the locals the fines and penalties previously enacted before the state stepped in.
😮 Certainly your not implying that a wealthy individual would seek some sort of benefit thru a campaign contribution?😮
Hmmm🤔
see there is the rub. Councilwomen is calling it Democracy, when that is nothing about our constitutional republic. Our flag should always win!