LA PALMA : Ordinance Passed to Restrict Garage Sales

Because of complaints about residents conducting an excessive number of garage sales, the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance this week limiting residents to two such sales a year.

The council, which passed the measure in a 5-0 vote Tuesday night, also hopes the restrictions will help clear neighborhoods of the homemade signs advertising the sales. The ordinance prohibits posting signs on public property such as utility poles, street signs, walls and trees.

In addition to frequency and sign restrictions, the ordinance requires residents to register with the city’s Building Department or Business License Division before a sale. Also, the sales can only be held from 7 a.m. to sunset. Contrary to previous proposals, residents will not be charged a fee for holding a sale.

Concerns were raised by council members about proper enforcement of the ordinance. But city employees said that neighbors and police volunteers should be able to notify authorities of infractions.

“I hope this is enough to deter people from having more than two garage sales,” said Councilman David Lim. “I hope we don’t have to take steps to impose heavier penalties.”

Violators of the ordinance could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face six months in jail, fines or both.

Also on Tuesday night, the council approved allocating $762 for supplies to help start a Meals on Wheels program. The program, which has been absent from the city for 16 years, delivers meals to shut-in, elderly and convalescing residents.