The days of non-stop residential yard sales are apparently at an end in Toppenish.

City Council members voted unanimously, with the exception of Ed Pacheco, who had an excused absence, to limit the number of annual yard sales allowed annually, the number of days each may last, and the hours during which they may be held.

The rules are incorporated in a new section of the Toppenish Municipal Code which the council directed City Manager Bill Murphy at their last regular meeting to have prepared for their approval.

This will limit sales to three per year, lasting no longer than three successive days, with none commencing before 8 a.m. or ending after 8 p.m. 

Councilman Bill Rogers said he believed the limits were appropriate.

“That’s an ample number of yard sales,” said Rogers. “We need to crack down on the serial offenders.”

Blaine Thorington agreed.

“It needs to be done,” he said.

Al Hubert suggested that the best way to enforce the new regulations is with the participation of local citizens.

The new regulation defines “yard sale” to also include “garage sale,” “lawn sale,” “attic sale,” “rummage sale,” or “any other similar casual sale of tangible personal property.”

In other business, Toppenish Fire Chief Tim Smith introduced the council to full-time Firefighter Shane Macias, the latest addition to the Toppenish Fire Department.

Smith also introduced 2008 Firefighter of the Year Manuel Cienfuegos and presented him with a plaque recognizing his contribution to the department.

The next regular meeting of the council will be held Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., in the city hall council chambers.