Las Cruces residents who host yard or garage sales are reminded that the city has ordinances regulating the frequency of such sales and posting of signs that advertise them.
Whether they’re called yard, garage, rummage, tag or moving sales – or by any other name – such sales are allowed to be held for no more than four days and no more than three times per calendar year at any one location.
If the sale is held at a business or other property not used mainly for residential or institutional purposes, a temporary-use permit must be obtained from the city.
The city also has an ordinance in place that attempts to curb the amount of litter, and potential traffic risks, that may result from improperly placed signs. Signs for such sales are permitted only on private properties and only with the property owner’s permission.
It is against city ordinance to place signs on roadways, sidewalks, medians and shoulders, or affixed to light poles, stop signs, fire hydrants or on any other public property. Violations of the city’s sign ordinances can result in a fine of $500 or incarceration up to 90 days.
Yard sale signs may be placed, with the property owner’s permission, in private yards.
The Codes Enforcement office, part of the Las Cruces Police Department, reminds residents to remove legally placed signs immediately once the sale is over. Besides being unsightly and a form of litter, signs that blow into roadways could become a traffic hazard for motorists. Those who leave signs posted for longer durations can be cited for littering.
For questions contact the Codes Enforcement office at (575) 528-4100.
Information from Las Cruces Police