BENTON, Ark. (KTHV) --If you like finding goods on the cheap, you are probably a fan of garage sales, but in Benton your selections may be dwindling. 

If a proposal passes residents will only be able to hold two garage sales a year. For some people summer time and yard sales go hand in hand. But the city says some residents are abusing their privilege and holding yard sales way too often, upsetting their neighbors. So in an effort to keep people from holding those long yard sales they are proposing some new regulations.

"I love antiques and garage sales are a lot of fun." Ellen Hamilton spends her weekends scoping out yard sales. "I love to re-purpose items; you know, get them and find another way to use them. You can only do that at yard sales." But her options may soon be going down.

Benton City council will vote on a proposal next month that allows residents to have a yard sale only twice a year for three days at a time. "If a citizen is running a yard sale 5 or 6 days a week for 365 days a year then that's business and you are running a business in a residential neighborhood and that's not allowed."

But not everyone agrees with Community Development Director Lamont Cornwell.

"You know we do a garage sale about once every two months just depends on how much stuff we have we try to put as much stuff out as we can based on the season."

Naquita Freeman says her family hosts' yard sales often to keep their home clear of clutter and give them some extra spending money. "It's like a treasure; it's something to do for fun so I think it should be more than two times a year." And Hamilton agrees, she says it's a hobby that fills her weekends. "I love it, I go out on Saturdays and I enjoy it."

The proposal also requires those hosting the garage sale to get a permit for five dollars before they open up. The council will vote on the proposal July ninth. Churches and those selling items for non profit will be exempt from the regulations.