Published on 07/9/2008

What a joke!!

Just another way to stick it to ya.

OK,
Today I received a newsletter from the City of Fayetteville which stated "Yard sales are plentiful in the summer and permits are required to hold them in the city limits." I couldn't believe it, so I went to their site to do a bit of research. I found this on thier site.

Yard Sale Permits A Part of Summer

Sunny weather brings citizens out in droves for yard sales and with that, the City Inspections Department would like to remind citizens to obtain yard sale permits, which are required in the city limits. Yard sales are plentiful during warmer months - the Inspections Department issues approximately 150 yard sale permits, at $10 apiece, each month during the summertime. Three yard sales are allowed per address per year, maintaining residential aspects of neighborhoods.

“We limit traffic and reduce the number of retail sales in residential areas by limiting the amount of yard sales per house,” said Jim Alexander, interim inspections director.

Yard sale permits must also be acquired for sales at commercial properties and private properties and organizations, like schools and businesses. If someone wants to use commercial property for a yard sale, they must have a written letter from a manager or owner of the property.

If a church is having a sale at the church, the fee is waived. The permit is good for one day or two consecutive days.

Citizens may have three signs up to four square feet each on the property of the sale and five directional signs, not exceeding two square feet, on private property with the owner’s permission. Posting signs on utility poles and traffic signs is not permitted.

For more information about yard sale permits, you may call the Inspections Department at 433-1168.

Check it out here http://www.ci.fayetteville.nc.us/portal/media_release/archive/2008/6/26.aspx?view=p

Continued

I was really disappointed and in disbelieve that our "City" has taken such a position. I know 10 bucks isn't allot of money but hell if you had an extra 10 bucks in gas for your car you would care a bit more. I know I would. I mean the point of a yard sale is to basically get rid of belonging that you care enough for that you don't want to throw away so you sale it. For some extremely low amount of money I might add.

So, a bit frustrated, I called the "Inspections Department" and found out that the permit is needed for the location only. Which means that you, your neighbor and members of your family can plan ahead and combine your yard sales as long as the permit contains the names of each party. The same goes for if you want to have the yard sale at a business location. Just remember you have to have written permission from the business and the business has to be open.

When you are ready for a yard sale, call all your friends and family to see if that want to go in and split the cost. That doen't address the fact that the City is trying to get money from you every way they can. However, it limits how much that get.

Maybe I'm being petty maybe not. What do you think?

Thanks,
Thats Funny
(apparently, a law breaker for years)