Garage Sale Rules: Colorado Springs vs Fountain
How do garage sale rules rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Fountain, CO?
Fountain has fewer restrictions than Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs permits garage sales (yard sales, estate sales) as temporary uses in all residential zone districts. Sales are limited to a maximum of two per calendar year per property, with each sale lasting no more than two consecutive days. Items must be displayed on private property and not extend into the public right-of-way or sidewalk. Signs advertising the sale must not be placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on city property. All sale items and signs must be removed promptly after the sale concludes.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Fountain, CO
El Paso County
Colorado Springs property maintenance code (CSCC §3.2.101) applies to garage sales — merchandise displayed neatly, removed at sale end each day, signs down within 24 hours of final closing. Items left at curb between sale days trigger blight citations $50-$200. Front Range winds (Chinooks) compound debris-control concerns.
View full Fountain rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Fountain |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Limit | 2 sales per calendar year per property | - |
| Duration Limit | Maximum 2 consecutive days per sale | - |
| Display Area | Private property only — not in ROW or sidewalk | - |
| Signs | No signs in public right-of-way or on utility poles | - |
| Cleanup | All items and signs removed after sale | - |
| Display | - | Organized on tables |
| Daily Cleanup | - | End of sale hours |
| Sign Removal | - | 24 hours after final |
| Wind Risk | - | Secure loose items |
| Blight Fine | - | $50-$200 typical |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
How many garage sales can I have per year in Colorado Springs?
You may hold a maximum of two garage sales per calendar year at your property, with each sale lasting no more than two consecutive days.
Can I display items on the sidewalk during a garage sale?
No. All sale items must remain on private property. Merchandise and displays cannot extend into the public right-of-way, sidewalk, or street.
Fountain FAQ
Can I leave unsold items at the curb after the sale?
No. Colorado Springs treats items left at the curb after a garage sale as blight under CSCC §3.2.101 ($50-$200) or illegal dumping under C.R.S. §18-4-511 for larger quantities. Schedule bulk pickup with your hauler or haul to Midway Landfill.
How soon do I need to take down my signs?
Within 24 hours of your final sale closing, per CSCC §7.4.304. Signs left on utility poles or in right-of-way are removed immediately by Public Works, who may also cite you $25-$100 per sign.
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