NORWICH – City residents hoping to earn a buck from garage sales next year will have a new set of guidelines to follow by virtue of code changes adopted this week by the Norwich Common Council.

Having received no comments in two public hearings held at the Common Council Chambers on Tuesday, city representatives unanimously passed two resolutions that alter the rules and regulations of garage sales within city limits. Officials say action will prevent residents from turning their front lawn into an all-summer-long exchange and address related issues such as cluttered neighborhoods, and even traffic safety concerns.

By resolution, garage sales, yard sales and porch saless are now allowed for a period of no longer than three days in succession for no more than a total of six days per year (whereas previous laws allowed garage sales for no more than 10 days per year). Additionally, new regulations require that tents, tables, chairs and other items used during the sale be removed at the end of the sale.