Las Cruces residents who plan on hosting a garage or yard sale are reminded that the city has ordinances regulating the frequency of such sales and the posting of signs that advertise them.
Whether they’re called yard, garage, rummage or tag 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. Yard and garage sale signs 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 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.
The Codes Enforcement office, part of the Las Cruces Police Department, also reminds residents to remove 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.