Stanislaus County supervisors reach agreement with Turlock packer

MODESTO -- Stanislaus County supervisors unanimously approved an agreement this morning requiring a Turlock agricultural business to comply with land use and building regulations. The county could take abatement action in the next few weeks if Dan Avila & Sons does not comply.

Dan Avila, owner of the packing and shipping facilities at 1301 Washington Road, agreed to replace an unsafe truck driveway by Nov. 16, and also implement a dust control plan and apply for building permits for a steel building and milk-barn conversion that were built without permits.

By Feb. 1, Avila needs to furnish the county with information for permitting a home converted to an office, a barn remodel and a storage building.

County officials recently took action after discovering facilities had been built at the site without permits. Sweet potatoes and watermelons grown by Avila are packed, shipped and sold from the site, which is across the street from Turlock's new industrial area. Avila has said he employs 300 to 400 workers in the seasonal operation.