City puts limits on garage sales
El Centro is cracking down on garage sales. They’re limiting them to four per year by any one person or home.
City Mayor Cheryl Viegas-Walker said, “You’re going to need to obtain a permit and post the permit on the date and time that you’re having the garage sale.”
The first one is free. The other three are twenty dollars each. They’re good for a three-day garage sale each time, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“The ordinance also contains restrictions with regard to signage and a requirement that the signs be removed when you finish with your yard sale,” Viegas-Walker said.
Downtown merchants approved of this. They said garage sales are unfair competition.
Merchant Wendy Lovano said, “It does bug me. I had to work hard and I’m still working hard to keep this place going. When I have to renew, whether it’s insurance, whether it’s a business license – it’s a business. And I’m selling used items which is the same as in a garage sale or yard sale. Same thing. They’re selling used stuff.”
Javier Castro, a local yard seller, disagreed with the ordinance. He said garage sales help families to make ends meet.
“It’s a salary for one parent only. The other parent takes care of the kids. Some of the people don’t have enough money to get food or pay gas.”
Viegas-Walker said it’s not to raise sales tax. It’s a response to public complaints.
“Person who benefits the most is the person who gets up every day and has to look across and see a yard full of stuff for sale every single day, and cars coming in and out of their neighborhoods and signs posted everywhere,” Viegas-Walker said.
The city plans to enforce the new law. Violators will pay $100 the first time.
What residents of El Centro should know about Garage Sales:
Residents are required to obtain a permit to hold a garage sale, beginning July 5, 2018. No more than four (4) permits will be issued to the same person or same premises within any calendar year or within 90 days of a previous permit issued to the same person or premises. The first permit will have no cost. There will be a fee of $20.00 for the next three permits. Observance to the ordinance will be enforced. A violation of the ordinance will result in a citation of $100.00 for the first one.
For additional information please contact El Centro Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division at (760) 337-4266.
