Fees, Regulations Proposed to Curb ‘Perpetual’ Garage Sales

Complaints that yard sales have become a fixture at some Artesia homes could soon leave their mark on the city’s municipal code.

Under a proposal before the city’s Beautification and Maintenance Committee, residents who want to sell used property on their front lawn would have to apply for a $25 business permit and could host only one every six months.

Residents have been urging regulation of “perpetual” rummage sales for at least a year, City Manager Paul Philips said.

“We’re trying to segregate business activity from the residential neighborhoods,” he said.

The proposal would limit yard sales to half of any front lawn for no more than three days in a row or two consecutive weekends. Advertisements would be prohibited on public property.

The council is expected to vote on the measure in April or May, Philips said.