Thursday, August 28, 2014
Lawrenceburg Yard Sale Ordinance passes First Reading
City of Lawrenceburg leaders have adopted on first reading an ordinance to establish rules for individuals holding yard sales inside the city limits.
The ordinance was approved during Thursday morning’s meeting of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council. Members said that the ordinance is meant to prevent residents from having perpetual yard sales or leaving items in their yards long after the sale has concluded.
Council member Jamie Sevier told those present “We’re not trying to infringe on people’s liberties here, but we want to have some structure…we’re trying to clean our city up.”
Mayor Keith Durham said, “In my mind people who have yard sales year ‘round and leave the items in their yards are creating a nuisance. And people who buy and sell items are really conducting a business rather than a yard sale.”
One resident who opposed the ordinance addressed the council saying that individuals sometimes trek to Lawrenceburg from surrounding areas just to attend yard sales. He said that they spend money while they are here which stimulates the local economy.
A change was made to the proposed ordinance before the meeting to allow residents to hold sales four times per year rather than the originally proposed three. Council members made two additional amendments during the meeting.
They changed a sentence to allow sales to run for three consecutive days rather than two. Also, they voted to remove a sentence that would have limited signage from being displayed more than one thousand yards from the site of the sale.
As approved Thursday the ordinance dictates that:
*Sales must be held at residences where at least one of those conducting the sale resides.
*Those holding sales at another residence or on lots not utilized primarily for residential purposes must have the express written consent of the property owner.
*Individuals are limited to having four yard sales in any given year.
*Sales may only be conducted between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
*Sales are limited to three consecutive days.
*All signs located off-premises must be free standing (may not be placed on utility poles, signs, etc.).
*All signs must be removed at the close of the sale.
*To place a sign on private property the individual must obtain permission from the property owner.
*Those violating the rules will be subject to a fine.
Second and final reading of the ordinance is expected to be held during the council’s next regularly-scheduled meeting, September 11.
