Home Depot is having a little house-keeping problem of its own. According to the Napa Sentinel, the Home Depot in Napa, California has been fined thousands of dollars for violating terms of its use permit. Violations range from outdoor clutter and fire hazards, to blocking traffic and environmental violations. In August, the City Council warned Home Depot that further permit violations would lead to $1,000 a day fines. Home Depot was reportedly put on probation, and could jeopardize their use permit or face criminal charges, according to the Sentinel. “Throughout the nation,” the paper said, “Home Depot has violated all types of zoning ordinances, fire codes and use regulations.” In a recent surprise inspection, the city found the north lumber docking area was blocked for incoming trucks by stored merchandise. Around the outside of the garden center, merchandise was stored along the fence. City regulations require that loading docks be free of all stored merchandise and debris, so that freight trucks can have clear access. Lumber deliveries are supposed to be placed inside the building, not taking up customer parking spaces. The city’s Code Enforcement Division ordered immediate correction of the violations, warning that the city would give Home Depot 10 days before filing an Unfair Business Practice against the company. According to the Sentinel, civil penalties against Home Depot of $1,000 a day started on November 2nd, and have now reached the five figure level.
Home Depot’s latest slogan is: “You can do it, we can help.” The company seems to need a little help of its own keeping its business inside the store. Over the years, Sprawl-Busters has received a number of cases in which cities had to file complaints against Home Depot’s improper use of its parking, fire safety lanes, etc. Some of this clutter is dangerous to the customer, and parking lot lawsuits have been filed by injured customers. For more cases, contact info@sprawl-busters.com
