California business battles county government over giant U.S. Flag

A business in Northern California is at odds with the local government over its ability to fly the United States flag.

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

“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 Nexstar's KTXL.

San Joaquin County said the issue is about safety, not the flag. It cited concerns about the flag pole’s foundation and proximity to property lines and Interstate 5 if it were to fall over.

While the county says the flag is a safety 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 if 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 told KTXL.