City Council considers Camping World's flag size amendment after multiple denials

The Greenville City Council meeting on March 14, 2025, focused on a proposed ordinance amendment regarding the display of large flags in specific zoning districts. The amendment aims to address a complaint received last October about a flag displayed by Camping World that exceeded the city's current size regulations.

Chief Planner Shante Gubi presented the details of the amendment, which seeks to establish new definitions and standards for official government flags. The proposed changes would allow flags up to 3,200 square feet in size, with a maximum flagpole height of 30 feet, but only in designated non-residential zoning districts. The amendment has been revised from an earlier proposal that would have permitted multiple flags and larger sizes across a broader range of properties.

The council's discussions highlighted the need for stricter regulations, including a minimum property size of five acres for flag displays and the requirement for zoning permits. The amendment also stipulates that flags must be associated with a primary use of the property, ensuring that vacant lots cannot display large flags.

During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about the implications of allowing flags from any nation recognized by the United States, which could include flags from countries like Russia and Canada. The council also discussed the enforcement of existing citations against Camping World, which has accrued nearly $9,000 in fines related to the flag violation.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended denying the original request from Camping World but later suggested modifications to align the amendment with flag etiquette standards. The council is expected to vote on the proposed text amendment in the coming weeks, which aims to balance property rights with community aesthetics and compliance with city regulations.