Circuit court ruling requires removal of highly visible I-85 flag following zoning violation dispute
By Vareva Harris, Co-Editor
Vareva@thewoodrufftimes.com
Confederate Flag Removed Following Circuit Court Order
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A Confederate flag that had been prominently displayed along Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County was ordered to be removed following a circuit court order.
The flag, erected in 2022 by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, flew from a 120-foot flagpole on private property along Teaberry Road near the split of I-85 and the I-85 Business Loop. The highly visible installation became a focal point of public debate and a prolonged legal dispute between the organization and county officials.
Location and Structure
The flagpole stood 120 feet tall on a vacant, one-acre parcel, making it one of the most visible displays in the Upstate due to its proximity to the interstate corridor.
The Violation
In October 2022, Spartanburg County issued a notice of violation, asserting the pole had been constructed without the required permit. County officials also argued the lot lacked a “primary use,” such as a residence or commercial structure, which zoning regulations require before an “accessory” structure like a flagpole of that scale can be installed.
Legal Proceedings
The Sons of Confederate Veterans appealed the violation and initially prevailed before the county’s zoning board in 2023. However, Spartanburg County challenged that ruling in circuit court. In February 2024, the circuit court reversed the zoning board’s decision and reinstated the violation.
The January 2026 Ruling
In January 2026, Circuit Court Judge Mark Hayes denied the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ request for reconsideration and ordered the flag removed or the pole reduced to 30 feet with a significantly smaller banner by February 5, 2026.
Current Status
The flag was taken down in February 2026 in compliance with the court order. The Sons of Confederate Veterans have filed an appeal with the South Carolina Court of Appeals, but the flag will remain down pending further judicial review.
County officials have maintained throughout the case that the dispute centered on zoning compliance rather than viewpoint. Sons of Confederate Veterans’ representatives have expressed disappointment in the decision and continue to pursue legal remedies.
Author: Tracy Sanders
