Limits on Garage Sales Tentatively Approved

The City Council has tentatively approved a new law that would penalize residents who have more than four garage sales a year.

Under the ordinance, residents would be allowed to hold garage or yard sales if they get a free city permit to do so. Only four permits per person would be given each year. Those caught conducting a sale without a permit would receive a written notice informing them that the permits are required.

Those who used all four permits and put on a fifth garage sale without a permit would be fined $100. The fine would increase to $200 for those caught holding a sixth sale. For each additional sale, the fine would be $500 per violation.

The ordinance was prompted by complaints that a number of homes in the city repeatedly hold yard sales, thus avoiding sales taxes or business license fees and create unfair competition with legitimate businesses.

Final approval is expected at a council meeting Dec. 4.