Northern California business, county at odds over ability to fly large American flag

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct enforcement actions of the San Joaquin County government.

(FOX40.COM) — A business in Northern California is at odds with the local government over its ability to fly the American flag.

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Camping World RV Sales in San Joaquin County usually has a giant American flag flying over its grounds, but that was temporarily halted. In April, San Joaquin County Community Development ordered the business to take it down for alleged safety reasons and lack of permission.

“Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division,” the county said in a statement to FOX40.

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There are more than 250 Camping World dealerships throughout the United States, each of them having freedom to fly a large American Flag, except the French Camp location.

San Joaquin County said the issue is about safety and not the flag. The county said it is concerned about flag pole’s foundation and the pole’s proximity to property lines and Interstate 5 should the pole ever fall over. Although San Joaquin cites the flag as a risk, some people disagree.

Camping World’s CEO, Marcus Lemonis, found out about the issue and ordered the dealership to restore the American flag to the top of the pole on Monday.

“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 told FOX40.

Lemonis said Camping World’s flag is installed sensibly and securely, with severe weather in mind. It’s also driven deep into the ground.

He added that if it were a marketing flag on the pole, he might allow it to stay down while the business works out the permitting issues with the county, but the American flag stays, no matter what the county says.

“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,” Lemonis said. “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.”

San Joaquin County said Camping World has applied for a building permit for the flagpole and the application is under review.

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