City-wide Yard Sale Heads Up!

Planning to sell your wares at the Jacksonville City-wide Yard Sale September 10 & 11? If so, please pay attention–city staff and the Police Department are beginning to implement a few new rules!

For starters, the City is trying to limit sales to Saturday and Sunday ONLY. Some exceptions may be made to church groups etc. on a case-by case basis as determined by the City.

For years, residents and outsiders were allowed to sell goods without having City permits. However, because the event has grown dramatically and is placing burdens on traffic, City staff and Public Works resources, there are NEW rules for outside vendors “importing goods” for resale.

If you are a homeowner wishing to sell stuff on your front lawn or driveway, nothing has changed. There’s no problem with cleaning out your attic and garage and even inviting your in-laws to join in your sale – the new rules apply to outside VENDORS – those who have been trucking-in goods specifically to sell them at our Sale.

Starting this year, outside vendors need to obtain a city permit and 2-day business license no later than August 31, 2011. A copy of the business license application can be obtained on-line at www.jacksonvilleor.us . Permits cost $10/day. Failure to procure a permit will result in a fine and/or the Police shutting down your sale. Don’t wait – get your permit at the City Offices at 110 E. Main Street. As a reminder, the City does not use debit or credit as a form of payment. Also, persons providing space for outside vendors MUST obtain permits for their vendors.

A word of caution about WHERE sales are conducted: This year, the City will not permit anyone, vendor or homeowner, to conduct a sale in a public Right Of Way (ROW). A public ROW is any city street, sidewalk, alley, right of way or parking lot. This restriction applies especially to large-scale vendors using trucks and/or trailers from which to sell goods – no parking of these vehicles will be permitted on any public ROW.

For FOOD VENDORS: whether you are planning to sell home-baked goods on your front porch or professionally prepared items, you MUST obtain approval from the Jackson County Health Department.

Please obey all traffic and pedestrian laws. There have been numerous near misses from people darting across the street without using crosswalks or paying attention to traffic. No stopping or parking in the middle of the street will be allowed. Emergency vehicles may need to get through, so park in a safe area off the road before leaving your vehicle.

Due to violations of public safety and health laws in the past, the City must enforce rules for the City-wide Yard Sale to protect the public and to insure that the event will continue in the future. For 2012, the City is considering a single venue for outside vendors, revision of fees and further conditions to help assure public safety.