Residents reminded of yard sale regulations

Yard sales have been a large part of Mississippi County for a long time, but hosting your own yard sale requires more than just putting up a sign and collecting money. Each community regulates them differently. Public safety, rather than bargains, is the primary reason for these varied regulations. In response to reader inquiries, the CN has investigated into licensing and signage requirements for yard sales within the City of Blytheville.

Blytheville City Collector Tina Schaeffer said, "People may have up to four sales per quarter and the first one is free. After that it costs two dollars each. A church, however, may have two free yard sales per quarter and then it will cost two dollars each time thereafter."

City Ordinance 976, section 3 states, "Garage or yard sales may be conducted in residential zones as established by the Land Use Ordinance of the City of Blytheville, Arkansas. A permit must be obtained by the person, firm or corporation from the City collector prior to the date of the sale. Such permit will be for a time and place. A garage and/or yard sale may be conducted for no more than four (4) days in each quarter in a calendar year. A charge of Two ($2.00) Dollars for each day shall be paid in advance of the date of the sale, with the exception that one (1) day in the three (3) month period shall be allowed without charge. Churches and non-profit organizations shall be permitted two (2) day without charge."

Judy Andrews, Blytheville Code Enforcement and Human Resource Manager said, "Signs cannot be placed on utility poles. Really, they are only supposed to be in your yard. They shouldn't be anywhere other than in the yard."

Andrews then went on to clarify, "Ordinance 1498, Article 12, Section 4 says that signs painted on or attached to trees, fence posts and telephone or other utility poles or signs pained on or attached to rocks or other national features or painted on the roofs of buildings are prohibited."

Assistant Police Chief Ricky Jefferson also said, "Make sure you take the time to get a permit." Jefferson and Code Enforcement Officer Joe Jacobs also said that it is acceptable to place homemade signs on small wooden tomato stakes at the end of the block, just as long as they are removed afterwards.

"We want you to be responsible, come back and get your signs. Also, be sure to put clothes on a rack, not on a fence. When you see us coming, there is a problem. We try to fix these problems without a lot paperwork though. Some respond and some don't. Those that don't get citations," said Code Enforcement Officer Joe Jacobs.

Ken Jackson, Assistant Director of The Arts Council of Mississippi County said, "A lot of people, I feel, are unaware of what is required to have a yard sale. You can't just slap up some signs and have a yard sale. I called code enforcement and asked because I have seen them taking down a lot of yard sale signs before."

thenry@blythevillecourier.com