RV retailer Camping World defies California county order to take down giant American flag
San Joaquin County officials said they granted a building permit to Camping World on Thursday
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A major RV retailer is fighting a Northern California county over its right to display a giant American flag.
Camping World RV Sales in San Joaquin County, like many of the company's other 250 locations, flies a giant American flag over its grounds. That was stopped in April when the county ordered the dealership to remove the flag, citing safety reasons and a lack of permission, according to 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," the county said in a statement to the local outlet.
The county feels the flagpole could be dangerous because of its closeness to property lines and the highway. However, Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis disagreed and ordered the flag to be reinstalled at the location on Monday.
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Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has defended Camping World dealerships raising the American flag in disputes with local counties in the past. (iStock / iStock)
"If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be OK, then I wouldn’t do it," Lemonis said to FOX40.
Lemonis argued the flagpole was secure and set deeply in the ground. If it were any other flag but the American flag, he would have no problem taking it down while the permit issues were being resolved. However, he feels strongly about keeping the American flag up, no matter what.
"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 told Fox40. "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 locations display large American flags on their grounds. Pictured: Camping World RV dealership in Kissimmee, Florida. (John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)
After publication, San Joaquin County said in a statement that the flagpole at this location exceeded the height permissable without a building permit. However, they denied asking Camping World to remove the flag itself.
The county also said that after a review, a building permit would be issued for the flagpole on Thursday.
"The 2022 California Building Code adopted by San Joaquin County requires a building permit for a flagpole over a certain height," the statement began. "The Camping World flagpole is 130 feet in height, and therefore requires approval by the Zoning Administrator and a building permit."
"Due to the proximity of the pole to Interstate 5, the San Joaquin County Community Development Department (CDD) consulted with Caltrans regarding concerns that if the pole fell it could land in the CalTrans right of way for Interstate 5. 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."
"At no time did CDD staff instruct Camping World to remove the flag. The issue has been solely with the height of the flagpole. CDD is working closely with Camping World to issue the appropriate permit so the flagpole can remain safely and legally pursuant to state and county law."
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Fox News Digital also reached out to the Camping World CEO for comment but has yet to receive a response.