ANAHEIM : Council Seeks Plan to Limit Garage Sales

The City Council this week moved closer toward restricting garage sales by asking for an ordinance that would allow the sales on only three weekends per year.

Councilman Frank Feldhaus, who has complained that the sales are causing blight in parts of the city, has brought up the issue for discussion several times in the past two months. But it was Councilman Lou Lopez, sworn in earlier this month, who proposed the restrictions.

“I want to do something that is simple to enforce but still gives the right for citizens of Anaheim to have a garage sale,” Lopez said.

Anaheim resident Dan Mehlhorn was critical of the council for considering such measures when it is faced with major issues, such as the county bankruptcy and filling a vacant council seat.

“Rummage sales are not a high priority that this city is facing,” Mehlhorn said. “I think it’s rather ludicrous. I really think this council should be more concerned with citizens, especially the poorer citizens who are just trying to survive and not make any problems and who aren’t at the council meeting to voice their opinion.”

The sales are already prohibited under Anaheim’s zoning code, but the code is rarely enforced, officials said.

Code enforcement officer John Poole said there are more than 200 of the sales on an average weekend.

The council will discuss the matter again at its next meeting Jan. 10.