Garage Sale Rules: Altadena vs Los Angeles
How do garage sale rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Garage/yard sales in unincorporated LA County are regulated under County Ordinance 22.140.620. Only secondhand items, no new merchandise or food sales. Hours: 7 AM-6 PM. Maximum 2 signs on property. Property must be residential. Items must not encroach on public right-of-way.
View full Altadena rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
The City of Los Angeles does not have a specific garage sale permit requirement or frequency limit codified in the LAMC. Garage sales are treated as occasional personal property sales. Signage on public property is prohibited under LAMC 67.02. Normal residential noise and parking rules apply. LA County unincorporated areas limit sales to 2 per year, 3 days each, but this does not apply within city limits.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 7 AM to 6 PM | - |
| Signs | Maximum 2, on property only | Prohibited on public property |
| Items | Secondhand household only | - |
| Reference | County Ord. 22.140.620 | - |
| Permit | - | Not required in City of LA |
| Frequency Limit | - | None codified in LAMC |
| County Rule | - | 2/year limit in unincorporated areas only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Are there rules for garage sales in unincorporated LA County?
Sales should be occasional, conducted on your property (not sidewalks), and limited to personal items. Frequent sales may be considered commercial activity requiring a business license. Follow sign code for advertising.
Can I have a garage sale on the sidewalk?
No. Items must remain on your private property. Blocking sidewalks violates ADA accessibility requirements and county right-of-way regulations. Keep all items, tables, and displays on your property.
How do I advertise my garage sale?
You can post signs on your property and use online platforms. Signs on public property (poles, medians, intersections) are prohibited under county sign code. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I leave items out between sale days?
No. Items must be stored out of public view after sale hours each day and after the sale concludes.
When must signs come down?
Within 24 hours after your garage sale ends. Signs left up may result in a citation.
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