COLDWATER, MICHIGAN — A towering American flag flying above Camping World in Coldwater has sparked new controversy, setting off what many are calling the Camping World Coldwater flagpole dispute. The city says the company installed the 130-foot pole without a required permit. The move has drawn sharp reactions from residents and renewed tension between the retailer and local officials.
No permit requested in Camping World Coldwater flagpole dispute
The dispute began when Coldwater issued a zoning violation notice after the company installed the flagpole without first requesting a permit. City Manager Keith Baker said the issue has been misunderstood online. According to Baker, “The flag itself isn’t the issue, rather the size of the flag pole’s base.” He said the city has “no ordinances against having the flag, even one that size.”
Baker said the city treats the flagpole the same as other structures. “Much like if it were a sign, or a fence, or a garage, or a building renovation it’s no different from that standpoint as far as just the requirement for a building permit,” he explained.
The city gave Camping World ten days to file an application and provide blueprints, but the deadline expired on November 7. Baker said the city is still waiting for a response. He noted, “That’s all we’re looking to do is to make sure that the pole was installed correctly.”
Flagpole hits a nerve with locals
The situation has touched a nerve locally. Many residents say they want both the rules followed and the flag kept in place. Sue Stroble said, “I realize that there has to be boundaries but on this issue in our country, I think we should have the flag.” Another commenter wrote, “It’s a shame people feel this way… can’t we just be happy that some people do love this country.”
Others criticized the city’s approach. One reader comment said, “They should just pay you for a building permit… It’s a beautiful sight coming into Coldwater off I-69.” Another added, “They just want the permit and inspection money.”
Some pushed back at the online outrage, arguing the rules matter regardless of patriotism. One commenter wrote, “Just follow the rules people. No one is above the rules, even if it involves flying old glory.” Another pointed out that the notice is tied to safety and construction standards, saying, “The issue is the flagpole, not the flag.”
The standoff now hinges on Camping World’s next move. Baker said the goal is simple: get the permit, verify the installation, and move on. Until then, the giant flag continues to wave over Coldwater—and continues to fuel debate over where patriotism ends and local oversight begins.
Sources include WWMT and WTVB.
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RVT1236b
I would like to say no one is above the rules/law, but we know that is not the case. Pay for play.
Just another Marcus finger to local authorities. Locals should stand up to CW.
No one is below the law either. Law is law. Mortgage fraud is mortgage fraud. Zoning laws are zoning laws. A variance can be applied for in zoning requests however and i’m pretty sure sure Marcus knows that the variance on the application request comes before the installation, not after.
He got away with another zoning infraction. And it will continue!
HI Bob: This isn’t a zoning issue! The flag and the pole are allowed under zoning rules – the issue is a permit for what is termed a structure – an easy to misunderstand definition. With that said, Lemonis & Co., should have checked with the city lst before installing it just to see if a permit would be needed.
Sounds like you can fly any size flag. Must be on a 6-inch pole?
Hi Don: Not sure what you are asking here…. 6″ diameter – top? or bottom? Another issue which could arise is proper flag respect, which would require a pole three times the height of the flag to be flown. I.e., a typical home 3’x5′ flag should be at the top of a 15′ permanent pole etc…. Hard to fly those giant 25′-30′ flags from a 75′-90′ high pole! Zoning doesn’t usually specify flag fabric size – more the pole installation and height for safety reasons. Close to an airport and the FAA will be involved!
It is a simple request by the city. In my previous home in Palo Alto a building permit is required to do almost anything including installing a replacement hot water heater or RV electrical outlet. That assures things are done safely and that the house won’t burn down because of an error. A building permit for the flagpole defining its anchorage will help to assure it will not come down in a storm and cause collateral damage or injury. Why is Marcus so darned arrogant?
Why would a contractor take on such a job without permits in place?
Ummm, money?
This isn’t a patriotism or big flag issue. Its about personal and property safety.
As zoning a administrator this is an easy to misunderstand definition of a “structure”. How would you define a structure? A concrete, brick, wood, plastic or steel “building”. Here is the FEMA Flood Plain Ordinance definition: “Structure means: “a walled and roofed building, including Mfg’rd homes. gas or liquid above ground storage tanks.”
(Cont’d) “Our Zoning Ordinance says: “Structure: anything built, constructed or erected which requires permanent location on the ground.” That clearly says “anything”. I don’t know how the Coldwater, MI ordinance reads – however, in any case, the contractor should have obtained or required a copy of a permit prior to digging a hole – maybe he has done this before without city oversight.
I kind of agree DW, the contractor has the ultimate responsibility to ensure engineering, do a design review with local officials and pull a permit. Marcus has been in the news enough re:Flags, that I doubt the contractor was unaware of the history of CW flags….. , soooo, unless Marcus paid the contractor to look away and do the project without a permit, which would be illegal in any jurisdiction for a contractor to take a bribe in order to not follow code…. I digress. The contractor has some culpability in this. No doubt.
What bothers me are car dealerships flying the American Flag while selling foreign cars.
My husband and I just visited the Camping World in Summerfield, FL. The flag was half mast in honor of Vice President Cheney’s passing. The flag is so ridiculously big that it was hitting the RVs parked underneath it. Maybe it’s time to fly smaller flags. How disrespectful!!!