Kernersville board updates several ordinances, citing state law and safety concerns

The Town of Kernersville Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a series of ordinance updates that town staff said were needed to reflect state law and to clarify public access rules for town facilities.

Town staff recommended amending Chapter 11, section 7.5 of the town code to reference North Carolina General Statutes (chapter 14‑190.9) for indecent exposure so local code language mirrors state law. The board adopted the change unanimously.

The board also repealed a section of the code that previously prohibited use of profanity in public places. Staff advised the board the provision is inconsistent with state and U.S. Supreme Court precedents, and aldermen voted to remove the town’s profanity restriction.

Separately, the board updated an existing 2020 ordinance that designates which areas of town‑owned or town‑operated buildings count as 'non public work areas' (examples cited: sleeping quarters and offices in fire stations, parts of Parks & Rec facilities, Town Hall back offices and the public services garage). Staff said the revisions reflect physical changes (fencing, a new wellness center at Station 41) and are intended to protect employee safety and operational security while preserving access to public areas such as gymnasiums, bathrooms and tracks when those spaces are not in use.

Board members discussed concerns about photography and video recording in a one‑party consent state; staff clarified filming is allowed in public areas, but non‑public work areas require an escort or consent. All three ordinance actions passed on unanimous votes.