KODAK, Tenn. (WATE) — The City of Sevierville is threatening legal action against an RV rental company in Kodak for an American flag they say is too tall for its zoning area.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told 6 News that they will not be taking it down.
“It breaks my heart, but I will have to tell you and the rest of the town, flag’s not coming down,” Lemonis said.
According to The City of Sevierville, the board of zoning appeals denied Camping World’s request to construct a 130-foot flagpole on their property last year. However, the company proceeded with its development.
“I’ve had this flag in my family, since I was a little child. I was born in a foreign country, I had the blessing of being here in the United States where I can have a business and have employees,” said Lemonis. “This is my way to pay respect, not only the veterans of this country, but current and active military, and everybody else who just loves the country.”
Despite exceeding the city’s 44-foot height limit for the Arterial Commercial (AC) zone the business is zoned for, Lemonis said it not a safety concern.
“I hope that everybody in the community understands this is a principle more than anything. It’s not hurting anybody. It’s been cleared with the FAA, so there’s no safety issue,” he said.
Many residents in the area say they don’t mind the size of the flag.
“I say leave it alone. So it’s big. Let it fly,” said Kodak resident Wilma Snyder.
Veterans driving through also said they see it as a symbol for what they fought for.
“It represents our country, and it represents everybody that fought for this country, and it’s our independence,” said Crossville resident and retired veteran Jeff Renshaw. When asked about the idea of removing it he said, “that’s absolutely the worst thing you could possibly think about doing.”
The City of Sevierville said if the company does not comply in 30 days they will seek legal action or issue citations until they do, but Lemonis is standing firm.
“I understand this is a bone of contention. I understand that we’re going to get fined. I understand that the city has rights to do a lot of things but the flag, it’s not coming down,” he said.
He said nearly all the Camping World locations have a flag just like it. This is not the first time Camping World has been in dispute with a local government. The company has several fines in Greenville, North Carolina for a similar issue over their flags.
A spokesperson for the city of Sevierville said that they are “not, and never will be, against patriotism.” They asked people not to attack employees for enforcing regulations as they do not create ordinances, just implement them.
The City has regulations on the height and placement of structures, including flagpoles (not the size of the flag itself), for several important reasons. Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, pose potential safety hazards, and impact the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike. These ordinances exist not to stifle patriotism but to balance individual expression with the overall safety, beauty, and livability of our city.
Bob StahlkePublic information OfficerCity of Sevierville
Stahlke said that the situation was “a publicity stunt used for advertising and marketing aimed at drawing attention to the business rather than fostering meaningful change.”