Holding a garage sale in Garfield Heights

As codified through Aug 20, 2020; verify current rules with the City at garfieldhts.org. This is general information, not legal advice.

Garfield Heights calls garage, yard, porch, basement and driveway sales "home sales" and regulates them in Chapter 763 of the Codified Ordinances. Here is what the 2020 codification says.

1. Get a permit first

You need a home-sale permit from the Building Commissioner before holding a sale (763.03(a)). Apply ten days before the sale (763.04(b)); the application goes to the Police Chief for approval. The 2020 code lists a $5.00 fee (763.04(d)). Keep the permit posted where people can see it during the sale (763.04(e)).

Use our garage-sale date calculator to get your apply-by date.

2. Hours and days

• Only between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., unless the Police Chief sets different hours for traffic or weather (763.05(a)).
• No more than three consecutive days (763.05(a)).

3. Twice a year

The same resident (or a family member) may not hold a home sale more than twice in any twelve-month period, at home or at another resident's property (763.03(c)). Our board enforces two sales per address per 12 months on its own listings.

4. One sign, on your lot

One temporary sign only, placed on the lot where the sale is held, no larger than 4.5 square feet, not lit and not animated (763.06). An 18 × 36 inch sign is exactly 4.5 sq ft — that is the size of the printable sign in our Sign Kit.

5. Your own used things only

You may not sell items bought, given or consigned to you for resale. New merchandise is treated as evidence of resale (763.05(b)). That is why our board rejects listings that mention wholesale lots, dealer stock or "new in box" lots.

6. Exceptions and penalties

Nonprofits, churches and similar organizations selling on their own property are exempt (763.02(b)). A first violation carries a $5–$50 fine in the 2020 code; repeat violations can bring larger fines (763.99).

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