Garage Sale Permits: Altadena vs Pasadena
How do garage sale permits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Chapter 7.86 limits garage sales in residential zones to no more than 2 per calendar year per address, with each sale lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. No permit is generally required for compliant sales.
View full Altadena rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena requires a $21 yard sale permit for every garage or yard sale under Pasadena Municipal Code §17.50.190 (Zoning Code - Yard Sales). The ordinance limits each household to 2 yard sales per calendar year, each sale to 2 consecutive days, and sets daylight-only operating hours (typically 8 AM - 6 PM). Application is online through the City Service Center.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | LA County Code Ch. 7.86 | PMC §17.50.190 |
| Max Sales/Year | 2 | - |
| Max Duration | 3 consecutive days | - |
| Permit Required | No (if compliant) | - |
| Permit Fee | - | $21.00 |
| Annual Limit | - | 2 yard sales per year per address |
| Duration | - | Maximum 2 consecutive days |
| Allowed Hours | - | 8 AM - 6 PM |
| First-Offense Fine | - | $100 (PMC §1.24.020) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How often can I hold garage sales in Altadena?
Up to 2 sales per calendar year, each no longer than 3 consecutive days — LA County Code Ch. 7.86. No permit required if you stay within these limits.
Pasadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for a yard sale in Pasadena?
Yes. Pasadena Municipal Code §17.50.190 requires a yard sale permit for every garage or yard sale. The fee is $21 and the application is online at cityofpasadena.net/city-services/yard-sale-permit.
How many yard sales can I have per year?
Each residential address is limited to 2 yard sale permits per calendar year, and each sale may last no more than 2 consecutive days (PMC §17.50.190).
Can I sell new merchandise?
No. PMC §17.50.190 limits yard sales to used personal household property. Selling new items, regularly stocked retail merchandise, or anything purchased for resale converts the activity into a business use that requires a business license and is not permitted in residential zones.
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