Guidelines for Garage Sales in the News
Posted on Wed, Feb. 23, 2005 

Keep your garage sale within the rules
By Anna M. Tinsley
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

One sign. One permit. Three days.

These are three of the rules to remember if you're among the more than 10,000 people a year cleaning out closets, attics and garages and holding garage sales in Fort Worth.

"If someone had reoccurring sales on a monthly basis, or every weekend, the traffic and overall appearance of the neighborhood would be compromised," said Bob Riley, the city's development director.

So the city sets guidelines to limit the effects of sales on neighborhoods.

Here are the rules to remember, according to the city:

* The sale must be confined to the garage and/or patio area.

* Residents can't sell new merchandise specifically bought to be sold at a garage sale.

* Sales can't last longer than three days in a row.

* Residents must request a city permit -- which is free -- at least 72 hours before the sale. Permits may be requested by visiting the city's Web site -- www.fortworthgov.org -- or by calling the city's Development Department at (817) 392-2222.

* Residents may post only one sign advertising the sale -- no larger than 2 square feet -- only on their own property.

* To report illegal garage sales, call the Code Compliance Department at (817) 392-1234.

Violate the city's rules and you could be fined up to $2,000.

Eva Bonilla, president of the Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods, said some neighborhoods team up and have joint garage sales a couple of times a year.

"They recognize that when you bring other people into your neighborhood, you also bring in crime," Bonilla said. "You have all the neighbors participate maybe twice a year and you reduce that."


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ONLINE: www.fortworthgov.org