Small businesses say code enforcement threatens pallet companies; county staff say they seek to keep businesses open while enforcing fire and nuisance codes

Multiple business owners told the Citizens Advisory Board they feel targeted by recent stop orders and licensing actions related to outdoor pallet storage and property conditions. Veronica Cortez (S9) described a business-owner meeting and said the county has begun issuing stop orders to long-standing businesses; she said the community will help owners convert properties to proper commercial standards, pave lots and landscape to meet requirements.

Noel Espelic (S10), a Stella-area pallet business owner, said inspection reports show he is within allowable counts and that new license language forbids outdoor pallet displays that did not exist when he started his business. "If we count the pallets that were on that report... it's 33 pallets high," he said, asserting he met the numeric limits he believed applied. Espelic asked for practical leeway and guidance to avoid legal battles and keep customers served.

Fire and sheriff's representatives said they are coordinating with code enforcement to address hazards, that fire prevention has been engaged to mitigate risks, and that the county is trying to keep businesses open while bringing sites into compliance. CAB members encouraged business owners and owners of leased properties to work with county staff to clarify permit and licensing requirements.