Broken lamps, abandoned shoes, burned-out electronics, forgotten toys and a pile of clothes unworn and unloved since the Germans invaded Austria are just a few hallmarks of the garage sale experience. But there are some traditions you might not be familiar with. Did you know that, in Hanford, a city ordinance dictates that you can only have a yard sale for two weekends out of the year, and that each one cannot last more than three days?

Cathy Kain, Senior Planner with the City Planning Department, says that the Building Department doesn't enforce this to punish people, but everyone needs to be aware of the ordinance.

"We don't go around marking these things down usually and we don't issue permits," Kain said. "Unless it has been noted by a city official or the neighbors complain or people are seen having a yard sale pretty frequently, we don't enforce it much. Almost every citation we give is done on a purely complaint basis.

"As long as people quit doing it, we just give them a warning. But these things do need to be followed."

The problem is that some people apparently buy things at flea markets and wholesale stores, then turn around and try to sell them on their front lawn for a nice profit, turning a nice, quiet suburban home into a full-fledged business.

For your trouble, this little offense can net you a citation, or a stern warning not to do it again.

Officers with the City Code Enforcement Department refused to answer questions regarding their current enforcement practices regarding this.

The other rule that many people may not be aware of involves advertising.

Everyone is familiar with the garage sale sign, an old piece of cardboard with an address and a convenient arrow pointing the way down several side streets and avenues.

But, depending on where you place them, this can be considered a misdemeanor crime.

"We have a policy in place prohibiting any signs being placed on our poles," said Brian Thoburn, the Tulare Regional Manager for Southern California Edison. "If we have a power outage or need to do maintenance, we don't want there to be any kind of obstruction in the way. Say, for instance, you have a downed power line. If there was a sign or an advertisement on that pole, it could turn into a fire hazard.

"The bottom line is that we need to have our poles unimpeded, so if we need to perform maintenance, we can do it as quickly and safely as possible."

The California Penal Code--section 556, if you are really interested--states it is a misdemeanor offense to put any kind of sign on a utility pole without permission of the city, state, or county.

You can also find yourself in hot water if you place signs on another person's property, an act which is considered a public nuisance by law enforcement.

And how do people get caught? Well, think about it. The sign points right to their front door.

So as the weekend draws near and the urge to set up shop rises, be cautious with your approach.

You don't want to get busted for selling knick-knacks.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(May 22, 2008)