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Arlington Hts. to start regulating garage sales

Arlington Heights officials this week approved new garage sale regulations created after residents complained about frequent sales in their neighborhood leading to increased crime.

The code change approved unanimously by the village board Monday allows residents to hold a maximum of three garage sales per calendar year before being subject to a citation and fine. The regulations will be enforced on a complaint basis from neighbors, but if that doesn't work, the village might move to a permit process for garage sales, officials said.

"We aren't looking to prohibit reasonable garage sales," said Village Manager Randy Recklaus. "But, we did want to find a way to regulate those folks that would take advantage of the lack of regulation."

The change comes after a group of residents from Cedar Glen - a subdivision off Algonquin Road on the southeast side of Arlington Heights - came to the village board in October with concerns about a few neighbors who were holding garage sales three or more times a month.

Residents said there have been five home burglaries in the past two years in addition to a sexual assault, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Sept. 25.

"We think, we don't know, but we think the problem is because there are so many strangers that are coming to our neighborhood," resident Bill Greaney said Monday night. "We think it's a crime issue. We think these people are casing our neighborhood."

The new regulations limit each garage sale to three consecutive days during the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Violators will be issued a citation that carries a fine of up to $750, as determined by a judge, Recklaus said.

"This is trying to control the people who are holding nonstop sales on a regular basis and bringing that traffic into their neighborhoods," said Robin Ward, assistant village attorney.

Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling all limit the frequency of garage sales to three per year. Schaumburg allows only two. Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect and Schaumburg also require permits for residents having garage sales.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we need to do permits in the future if we see abuse of the ordinance," said Trustee Joe Farwell. "It does require a certain amount of effort on the neighbors who are being effected by this." Recklaus said staff members hope the new restrictions will get rid of the violators without creating too much regulation in the process.

"I'm not a fan of over-legislation, but his is a step in the right direction. It is something that protects public safety," said Trustee Tom Glasgow.

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