Garage & Yard Sales in Burbank, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Burbank or are thinking about moving there, garage & yard sales are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Burbank has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of garage & yard sales, and some of them might surprise you.

Time Restrictions

Garage sales are limited to 2 consecutive days per permit. Sales must comply with residential noise standards. Specific operating hours are set by the permit conditions.

Key details: Duration: 2 consecutive days max. Noise: Residential standards apply. Hours: Per permit conditions. Setup/Cleanup: Same day requirements.

Operating outside allowed hours: $25 to $100. Items left out after sale: property blight citation $50 to $200.

Garage Sale Permits

A Garage Sale Permit is required from the Community Development Department. Seller must be an owner or occupant and file an affidavit. Only personal property may be sold.

Key details: Permit: Required from Community Development. Affidavit: Owner/occupant must certify. Items: Personal property only. Code: BMC Title 10, Ch 1, Art 5.

Operating without permit where required: $25 to $100. Sign violations: $25 to $50. Exceeding frequency limits: $50 to $200.

Frequency Limits

Maximum 2 garage sale permits per premises per 12-month period. Each sale limited to 2 consecutive days. Replacement permits available within 14 days for weather cancellations.

Key details: Annual Limit: 2 permits per property per year. Duration: Max 2 consecutive days each. Replacement: Available within 14 days for weather. Code: BMC Title 10, Ch 1, Art 5.

Exceeding frequency: $50 to $200 citation. Operating as unlicensed retail: home business zoning violation $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Burbank's garage & yard sales rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Burbank is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Burbank 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.