New Restrictions on Garage Sales in Lakewood OK’d

There is now a law that in Lakewood.

Residents will only be allowed to have three garage or yard sales per year; the sales can last three consecutive days; and if a home has a backyard or a garage, that’s where the sale must take place.

approved the new ordinance Monday night after months of discussion.

However, just before the final vote, council president Brian Powers asked for a "hardship clause,” allowing exemptions to the rule. Those exceptions would be decided by the mayor on a case-by-case basis.

Council agreed with Powers and added the language into the new law.

The original proposal, , was intended to set some restrictions on the sales in the city, said Ward 1 councilman David Anderson.

“The administration pointed out that our current code is incomplete at best and that some residents have established habitual sales, which are placing stress on certain neighborhoods,” Anderson said.

“The goal is to establish a more complete policy to help residents operate successful sales and to provide a tool by which to regulate the habitual sales.” 

There have been several discussions on the matter in city council’s housing committee, where the details were ironed out.

Initially, the ordinance called for no more than two sales per year. The final ordinance allows three.

The existing code didn't have any limitations on signs advertising the sales.

The committee adopted language that allows five signs — that won’t be allowed on utility poles or front porches — measuring less than 5 square feet, that may be posted on or near the property of the sale. They must be removed within six hours of the sale.