Bergenfield's Garage & Yard Sales: The Rules That Matter

Bergenfield maintains 67 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with garage & yard sales. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Bergenfield falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Frequency Limits

Bergenfield limits each residential property to two garage sale permits per calendar year, with each permit covering two consecutive sale days.

Key details: Annual permit cap: Two per residence. Days per permit: Two consecutive. Annual day max: Four total days. Permit cost each: $5.00. Tracking: Building Department records.

Applying for or holding a third garage sale in the same calendar year is a violation of Bergenfield's licensing rules. Selling on additional days outside the two-permit allowance can be treated as unlicensed retail activity by Code Enforcement.

Bergenfield is more permissive than most cities when it comes to frequency limits. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Sale Permits

Bergenfield requires residents to obtain a Building Department permit costing five dollars before holding a garage or yard sale at their property.

Key details: Permit fee: $5.00. Permit duration: Two consecutive days. Issuing department: Building Department. Application phone: (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092. Application form: Available on Borough website.

Holding a garage sale in Bergenfield without first obtaining the $5 Building Department permit, or extending a sale beyond the two consecutive days authorized, can result in code enforcement action and forfeiture of remaining annual permit slots.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bergenfield gives residents more flexibility on garage sale permits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Bergenfield gives residents more room on garage & yard sales. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Bergenfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.