Giant Flag Approved By Statesville Planning Board, Awaits Council

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — After months of fines, public backlash and even a lawsuit, a local planning board in Iredell County has recommended the Stateville City Council amend its existing regulation on flag size to accommodate the giant American flag installed above a business along Interstate 77.

Last month, Camping World and Gander Outdoors attempted to rally public support for the gigantic 40-foot by 80-foot flag erected at their Iredell County location by launching an online petition as part of its fight against a lawsuit filed by the City of Statesville seeking an injunction. Camping World says it displays the flag as a salute to veterans. The city, however, has an ordinance prohibiting flags larger than 8-feet by 12-feet, and had sued the company to take it down, with a $50 a day fine retroactive to October 15, 2018.

RELATED: Battle Over Giant American Flag Heats Up In Iredell County

Statesville’s Planning Board took up the issue June 10, voting to change city code to accommodate the flag.. The matter will now go before the Statesville City Council.

Camping World began installing the oversized flags in 2014, and Statesville city leaders have been split on the issue in the past. In late 2017, the city council was deadlocked, before the mayor cast the deciding vote to adhere to existing regulations until city planners could study the issue, Statesville Record & Landmark reported.

"This is about more than just the flag," Camping World said in a Facebook message last month. "This is about our Veterans, Military, and the men and women that have sacrificed for this great country. They are the reason we fly the flag and they are the reason we will NOT take it down!"

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