Stricter Regulations on Garage Sales Begin

As the new year commences, so will a new city ordinance regulating garage sales.

The ordinance, which takes effect Monday, requires residents who wish to hold a garage or yard sale to obtain a permit. Only four permits will be granted a resident each year. There will be no charge for the permits.

Those who are caught conducting garage and yard sales without a permit will most likely be penalized, city officials said. On first offense, however, violators will receive written notices that will provide information about the new permit rule.

Those who use up their four permits and hold a fifth sale will be fined $100. The fine will increase to $200 for a sixth sale. And, for each additional sale, the fine is $500.

City officials said they passed the law in response to complaints that a number of homeowners regularly hold yard sales, thus avoiding sales taxes and business license fees and creating unfair competition with businesses that do pay such levies.