NORWICH – The City of Norwich is taking measures to stop long-term garage sales and yard sales throughout the city and provide stricter rules for residents looking to make a little extra cash from their clutter.

The Norwich Public Safety and Public Works Committee this month discussed the issue of garage and yard sales, and what can be done to prevent residents from turning their front lawn into an all-summer-long exchange. According to city officials, the problem is growing and it’s drawing attention.

“There are about eight to ten garage sales throughout the city that are going on all summer. A lot of changes are being driven by the public, by folks who are tired of their neighbors having these perpetual yard sales because they can cause traffic problems and be a bit of an eyesore,” said Jason Lawrence, Codes Enforcement Officer for the City of Norwich. “When people have a tent pitched all summer, it becomes an issue.”

While there are current laws on the books that regulate garage and yard sales in the city, Lawrence said changes are in the works to tighten existing laws. Proposed changes include limiting sales from the current 10-day per year limit to a six-day per year limit. Residents would also not be allowed to have a sale lasting more than three consecutive days.