MOORPARK : Ordinance Would Limit Boutique Sales

The Moorpark Planning Commission moved unanimously Monday to regulate garage sales and boutique sales of handmade items in private homes.

The proposed ordinance, approved unanimously, would limit boutique sales to three each year, totaling no more than 72 hours. The ordinance now goes to the City Council for final action.

Sales would be limited to daylight hours and one evening no later than 9 p.m. Boutique sales would be limited to eight signs, not to exceed 2 feet by 3 feet.

The commissioners moved to require boutique operators to obtain a permit for $28.80 before the sale and to turn over a percentage of the profits to the city as sales tax. No similar regulation was enacted for garage sales.

For garage sales, the ordinance would prohibit display of wares on front lawns. Articles for sale could be displayed in driveways, garages and back yards.

The issue arose, several commissioners said, because of complaints about the number of signs used to advertise boutique sales, especially during holiday seasons.