A California-based RV retailer has been fighting with county officials over their display of a giant American Flag
Camping World RV Sales in French Camp, California, proudly flies a large American Flag over their establishment, like the other 250+ dealership locations around the country.
However, in April, San Joaquin County Community Development ordered the flag be taken down, claiming that the business did not have permission to erect such a large flag pole. They alleged safety concerns about the pole’s foundation as well as its proximity to property lines and a major interstate.
A representative from the county told FOX40:
“Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division.”
An additional statement from the county explained:
“The 2022 California Building Code adopted by San Joaquin County requires a building permit for a flagpole over a certain height. The Camping World flagpole is 130 feet in height, and therefore requires approval by the Zoning Administrator and a building permit.”
Camping World defies county orders, and raises the flag anyway
Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World, caught wind of the issue this week and ordered the dealership to return the flag to its rightful place atop the flag pole. He told local news:
“If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be okay, then I wouldn’t do it…”
Lemonis asserts that the flag pole was properly installed and secured, having been driven deep into the ground in the case of severe weather.
The CEO of Camping World believes in keeping the American Flag up no matter what
Lemonis says that if it were any other flag in question, he might allow it to stay down while the permitting issues are resolved. However, the symbolism of the American Flag is too important to be set aside. He explains:
“It’s symbolism about how we feel about this country. We have a lot of veterans who work for us and a lot of veterans who shop with us. I happen to be an immigrant. I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it. It’s been part of my life since I was a little child down in Miami, Florida, where we had the largest flag pole in Miami at our car dealership.”
Camping World receives a building permit for the flag pole
After the story gained national exposure, the San Joaquin Valley granted the dealership the necessary permits to keep the flag and flag pole in place. In a statement they confirmed:
“Based on that the Zoning Administrator and Building Official have reviewed the site plan and engineered plans for the flagpole, CDD recently made the determination that the flagpole may be permitted, and a building permit will be issued today, August 8, 2024.”
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