HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicy-Garage-YardSale-042508BOARD OF SELECTMEN POLICY
GARAGE AND YARD SALE POLICY
Date Approved by BOS: Signature of Chair:
April 25, 2005 Jeanne K. Krieger
I. PURPOSE
The Board of Selectmen desires to continue to allow private citizens and civic groups to conduct
private sales, such as garage and yard sales, provided they are carried out in a manner which
does not create violations of Town By-Laws or cause neighborhood nuisances.
II. APPLICATION
Lexington citizens are advised that the following requirements and restrictions shall apply:
1. A permit shall be obtained from the office of the Board of Selectmen. An applicant for
such permit may appear in person or may request the permit by telephone or e-mail.
2. Any signs involved must be in compliance with applicable Town By-laws. Citizens are
reminded that a permit issued by the Board of Selectmen is required to post any signs on
or in the public way (§100-5 of the Code of the Town of Lexington). Citizens should
check the Town By-Laws regarding the posting of signs on private residential property.
All signs must be removed upon completion of each sale. (See §135-76 et seq. of the
Code of the Town of Lexington.)
3. Conduct of such sales on a frequent and/or continuing basis cannot be permitted, since it
may take the activity out of the private sale category and produce a requirement for a
transient vendor and/or junk dealer's license or zoning variance. Willingness of
neighboring residents to tolerate these sales cheerfully can only be expected if they take
place infrequently.
4. Care must be taken to avoid creating traffic congestion and/or area parking conditions
which would cause serious neighborhood problems. All applicable traffic laws must be
observed.
5. Those responsible for conducting such sale must limit the hours and control their conduct
so as to avoid unreasonable noise or cause a neighborhood nuisance.
6. Continuation of these rules will be contingent upon favorable experience.
7. All permits will be copied to the Police Department.
III. BACKGROUND
The terms of this policy were created to prevent regular ongoing sales in residential
neighborhoods. Residents should be mindful of the potential traffic and noise nuisances that can
occur and be respectful of their neighbors. Occasional sales in order to clean house or when
moving are allowed.
IV. REFERENCES
August 13, 1973
May 14, 1990
Revised 8/95
Updated 4/25/2005