Planning to have a garage sale but not sure what City regulations might be in place that you need to know about? Look no further. Community Development Director Lisa Beeman covers the topic in this week’s edition of Director’s Cut.
What role does Community Development Department play in relation to garage sales held in Bartlesville?
One of the responsibilities of the Neighborhood Services Division, which is under the Community Development Department, is to make sure garage sales held within the city limits are in compliance with the Bartlesville Municipal Code. These are laws that are passed by the City Council to better maintain and improve the city’s neighborhood and commercial areas.
What is the most common complaint when it comes to garage sales?
The most common complaint by far is related to signage. Unfortunately, people often place signs illegally to advertise their sale, when the signage would actually be just as effective — and legal — with just a few minor adjustments.
How should garage sale signage be placed to meet the legal requirements?
Section 5-491 of the municipal code outlines the law where garage sale signage is concerned as follows:
- A maximum of two signs not to exceed six square feet in area may be placed on the private property where the garage sale is to occur.
- A maximum of two signs not to exceed three square feet in area may be placed on private property off-premise to provide direction to the garage sale. Approval of the property owner is required prior to placement of off-premise signs on private property.
- Signs may not be placed upon the public right-of-way or in any way that would interfere or obstruct access, activity or vision along any such right-of-way.
- Signs must be removed within one calendar day following the completion of the sale. Failure to do this could result in a fine.It’s important also to note that “off-premise” signage must be placed at least 10 feet from any curb or street and three feet from any sidewalk. This is one of the most common complaints we receive and the one to which we are most often called to respond.
Are there any other garage sales rules people should know about?
The number and duration of sales people can have is quite lenient, but there are restrictions that people should know about. Garage sales, yard sales, porch sales, estate sales and other similar type sales may not be held at the same residentially zoned property more than three and one-half days per sale and no more often than twice every three months.
If someone has other questions or wants to file a complaint, who should they call?
For questions, call 918.338.4244. To report a violation, call 918.338.4230.