Garage Sale Signs: Apex vs Cary
How do garage sale signs rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex UDO Sec. 8.7.2 prohibits all commercial and non-commercial signs in the public right-of-way (except those authorized by NCGS 136-32 for political signs in state ROW) and in the required sight triangle. The Town's Sign FAQ states that signs placed on other properties or street rights-of-way directing attention to a sale or activity are not permitted. Garage-sale signs on the host's own residential property are exempt as non-commercial signs on a residential property (UDO 8.7.1 exemption). Off-premise directional signs to the sale are prohibited and may be removed.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County UDO Article 18 permits temporary garage/yard sale signs in unincorporated areas. NCDOT regulations prohibit signs in state-road ROW that are over 6 sq ft. Each Wake municipality sets its own size limit (commonly 4-6 sq ft) and time limit (signs removed within 24 hours of sale).
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Apex UDO Sec. 8.7.1 (exemption); 8.7.2 (prohibitions) | - |
| Own-Yard Sign | Exempt — non-commercial sign on residential property | - |
| Off-Premise Sign | Prohibited (UDO 8.7.2; Town Sign FAQ) | - |
| Right-of-Way | Prohibited except as authorized by NCGS 136-32 | - |
| Utility Poles / Trees | Prohibited (portable / unauthorized signs) | - |
| Sight Triangle | Prohibited (UDO 8.7.2) | - |
| Permit | Not required for residential on-site non-commercial sign | - |
| County rule | - | UDO Art. 18 — permitted |
| Raleigh max size | - | 4 sq ft |
| Removal | - | 24-48 hours after sale |
| Utility poles | - | Prohibited |
| ROW max | - | 6 sq ft (NCDOT) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Can I put garage sale signs around my Apex neighborhood?
Off-premise signs are prohibited. The Town's Sign FAQ states that 'signs placed at other locations, such as those on other properties or street right-of-ways, directing attention to the sale or activity, are not permitted,' and UDO Sec. 8.7.2 prohibits all signs in the public right-of-way (except political signs authorized by NCGS 136-32) and bans commercial off-premise signs. Town staff may remove violating signs.
Do I need a permit for a garage sale sign in my own yard in Apex?
No. UDO Sec. 8.7.1 expressly exempts 'Non-commercial signs on a residential property' from the Section 8.7 standards. A garage-sale sign on the same residential lot where the sale is held does not need a permit and is not subject to the Town's size or number limits. It still cannot be placed in the public right-of-way or in a sight triangle at an intersection.
Cary FAQ
Can I staple sale signs to utility poles?
No. State law and municipal codes prohibit attaching anything to utility poles, traffic signs, or street trees.
How big can the sign be?
In unincorporated Wake, generally 6 sq ft. In Raleigh, 4 sq ft. Cary and other towns vary.
How long can the signs stay up?
Up to 24-48 hours after the sale depending on the city. Raleigh: 24 hours. Apex: 48 hours.
Compare other topics
See how Apex and Cary compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool