South Gate : New Ordinance Sets Limit on Number of Garage Sales

The South Gate City Council has enacted a tough new ordinance regulating garage and yard sales. The old ordinance was weak, “but this one has some teeth,” Mayor Robert A. Philipp said.

The new law, which will become effective Jan. 17, restricts residents to two sales a year. Fines will be levied against violators. Those convicted for the first time would pay $100. A second conviction would bring a $300 fine and a third offense would be a $500 fine. Continued violations could result in the filing of criminal charges.

Under the new law, residents must pay a $10 fee to hold a garage sale. Nonprofit organizations are exempt from the fee.

Signs advertising the sale cannot be placed on public property but can be displayed on the residential property conducting the sale. And those signs can be displayed for no more than two days prior to the sale.