City Looks to Limit Yard, Garage Sales

There are very few limits on yard sales and garage sales in Lakewood.

That could all change with an ordinance working its way through city council.

Last week, the introduced an ordinance to council that would put some restrictions on garage and yard sales in the city.

Council president said that it’s a discussion that council is “taking seriously.” 

“Garage sales in the summer are an American pastime,” Madigan said. “We’re not out to stop the fun commerce of yard sales. But we’re having a good conversation about limiting them.”

Madigan said there have been several homes in Lakewood known to host "chronic garage sales.” 

“We’re trying to accomplish a more orderly series of garage sales,” she said. “If you’re going to have a commercial enterprise you can’t have it in a residential neighborhood.”

Compared to some of Lakewood’s neighbors, the city has few limitations on garage/yard sales, according to a data compiled by the law department.

For example, Lakewood does not limit the number of sales a resident can have each year — most communities cap the number at two or three. 

Also, Lakewood doesn’t regulate how many consecutive days a sale can take place.

Essentially, residents can host a garage sale every day.

All of that may change.

“This is the beginning of a very long conversation,” said Madigan. “People have asked ‘don’t’ you have anything better to do?’ But you can’t have a garage sale from April to October.”

Law Director Kevin Butler said he would expect some changes to be made to the proposal before any vote is taken.

“There’s no rush on any of this,” said Butler. “Whatever the committee suggest is going to be a good thing.”