The Greenville, North Carolina, City Council has officially ended the Camping World lawsuit, voting 5-0 Monday to dismiss the case and cancel the company’s $37,500 in fines. The decision resolves a months-long legal dispute over flag displays at Camping World’s Evans Street location, bringing an end to a battle that drew significant attention from residents and local media.
State legislature move prompts dropping Camping World lawsuit
The move comes after House Bill 926, the “Regulatory Reform Act of 2025,” went into effect. The law prevents cities and counties from restricting U.S. or state flags on private or public property when the property owner gives permission. Local governments can still impose restrictions, but only after documenting safety, health, or welfare concerns in writing.
This change in state law played a central role in the city council’s decision to drop the Camping World lawsuit and cancel associated penalties.
“Flag flap” has a long history — ends painfully for city
The dispute began when Greenville flagged Camping World for allegedly violating a long-standing ordinance governing flag displays. The city had pursued fines and legal action against the company over the issue, which escalated into a formal lawsuit.
A local television station, News 12, investigation revealed the city spent more than $25,000 on outside legal fees while pursuing the case. By agreeing to a voluntary dismissal, city leaders avoided further litigation costs and aligned local enforcement with the new state law.
Council members said the decision reflects a broader shift in how Greenville and other municipalities must handle flag regulations under state law. The dismissal allows Camping World to display U.S. and state flags freely at its Evans Street location, ending a legal fight that lasted for months and drew attention from both the business community and local residents.
With the lawsuit resolved, the city and the company can now move forward without additional penalties or legal challenges.
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It sounds like some money did some talking.
Money is it’s own megaphone. No doubt about it Kelly.
Wow, I guess you Can buy and/or threaten your way out of the local zoning codes and regulations.. Way to go city council !!
Very poor decision on Greenville’s part.
Lemonis now thinks he is above the law and will continue to ignore and defy any and all in place ordinances no matter the circumstances or locality.
He has now set a precedence for others to follow.
I agree with KellyR! $$$ talks.
Or did he make promises to the council, which will not be kept?
Lemonis IS above the law. Money talks.
Haven’t you hesrd…. “No one is above the Law”.
I for one, love seeing the HUGE American flag that Camping World has flying next to I-90 in Spokane, WA as I cruise down the freeway!
Different zoning laws there, probably?
I realize they violated zoning laws, but I love seeing our American flag flying no matter how Large it may be!!!
I agree and love seeing the flag. I raise my own every morning and lower it every evening.
I love seeing the flag as well. But that has nothing to do with this case.
The council wasn’t saying a flag could not be flown. It said that CW was violating the city code that CW had AGREED TO FOLLOW as a condition of its permitting.
I love the flag and I love the integrity of someone that does what they agreed to do. I still believe in handshakes.
IMO, Lemonis is pond scum when it comes to integrity. It shows in everything he has done to CW just to fill his own pockets.
I can’t do business with someone that steps on the little guy and just pays for a new law to suit him. Greenville had a right to their own guidelines for their town.
Money talks
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina! Interesting. Have a great day and safe travels!
Another incident in which the rich can do what they want. But the average American can’t. Especially since he doesn’t have the money to pay legal fees. I just went thru a fight with my city that wanted an easement on my property with unrealistic demands. My lawyer charged $300. hr or $5. a minute. The city backed out of wanting the easement and the lawyer was terrible.
I detest companies that use false patriotism to sell their products. It’s all about the bucks to them.
Local jurisdictions have had the authority to set their own structural and development code requirements for a long time. The “flag’s message” is not the issue. That’s a freedom of speech matter. However, the physical size of a flag (or sign, etc.) and the placement, size and height of the structure it’s attached to are code requirements intended for public safety and/or community aesthetics. Unfortunately, just about everything can be bought and sold.