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

If you live in Long Beach 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. Long Beach has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of garage & yard sales, and some of them might surprise you.

Frequency Limits

Long Beach limits garage sales to one permit per quarter, maximum 4 per year under LBMC Ch. 5.40. A permit must be obtained and displayed on the premises during the sale.

Key details: Per Quarter: 1 sale maximum. Per Year: 4 sales maximum. Permit: Required and must be displayed. Code: LBMC Ch. 5.40.

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

Time Restrictions

Garage sales in Long Beach are limited to the hours of 8 AM to 3 PM under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Signs for garage sales must be removed at the end of the sale and cannot be placed on public property.

Key details: Hours: 8 AM - 3 PM. Signs: Max 4 ft tall, 6 sq ft area. Sign Removal: Required after sale ends. Code: LBMC Ch. 5.40.

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 in Long Beach under LBMC Ch. 5.40. Permits can be obtained from the Finance Department. The permit must be displayed on the premises during the sale.

Key details: Permit: Required. Issuer: Finance Department. Display: Must be visible on premises. Code: LBMC Ch. 5.40.

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

The Bottom Line

Long Beach'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 Long Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Long Beach's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.