Statement from the City of Sevierville regarding current status of Camping World non-compliant flagpole 04/01/2025.

Posted 04-01-25.

The City of Sevierville remains committed to transparency, fairness, and the respectful enforcement of ordinances that ensure the safety, beauty, and vitality of our community. In light of renewed attention following a recent social media post from Mr. Marcus Lemonis, we feel compelled to clarify the facts and reaffirm our position.

Let us be clear: this issue has never been about the American flag. Our community is proudly American, and patriotism runs deep in Sevierville. The display of the flag is not only welcomed — it’s celebrated here. The concern at hand is the height of a flagpole, which exceeds the City’s longstanding zoning regulations by nearly 200%.

This is not about symbols. It is about structures. It is about adherence to law. And it is about a corporation that, after being denied a variance by our Board of Zoning Appeals, knowingly and blatantly proceeded to violate our city’s ordinance.

The suggestion that following established city codes is somehow unpatriotic is not only disingenuous — it is a calculated attempt to distract from the facts for the sake of social media engagement and online controversy. Unfortunately, this publicity stunt has resulted in a torrent of vitriol directed at the City of Sevierville that we proudly call our home. This is not civic discourse rooted in patriotism.

Mr. Lemonis may have a large platform, but in Sevierville, we stand on principle. Our city operates under a charter and code designed to ensure fair and balanced treatment for all — residents, visitors, and businesses alike. We expect all who operate in our community, whether small local business owners or large national corporations, to respect the laws that have been carefully crafted to protect the safety, order, and character of Sevierville.

To be clear, Camping World was fully informed of the height restriction prior to constructing its building or the 130-foot flagpole in our community. Its request for a variance was considered — and denied — in the same process every applicant must go through. Other businesses have accepted those decisions and worked with the City to remain in compliance. That is what responsible, community-minded development looks like. Development that we are proud of and have proudly welcomed and worked hand in hand with to ensure their success.

We remain open to productive dialogue. But we will not be pressured or distracted by national platforms attempting to rewrite our narrative to their advantage. Sevierville is proud of its heritage, committed to the rule of law, business friendly environment and focused on protecting what makes this community special.

We believe true patriotism is about more than words or gestures — it's about honoring the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility. And in Sevierville, that includes respecting the rules we all live by.

 

Ordinance enforcement actions pertaining to the non-compliant flagpole at Camping World

A citation was issued to Camping World on March 5 with a perpetual $50/day fine while the flagpole remains out of compliance. On Wednesday, March 19, the City filed a complaint in Chancery Court seeking an injunction enjoining Defendants (Camping World) from violating the Sevierville Zoning Ordinance requiring removal of the flagpole or its reduction in height to 44 feet or lower.