Garage Sale Permits: Garfield vs Mahwah
How do garage sale permits rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Garfield and Mahwah have similar restriction levels.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield requires a $10 permit for any garage, attic, or rummage sale, picked up from the Police Department on the day of the sale and displayed on site.
View full Garfield rules →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Township does not require a permit for residential garage sales. Township policy limits signs to the property where the sale is held — no signs are permitted on trees, rocks, fences, utility poles, or at intersections directing buyers to the sale. The Township sponsors an Annual Townwide Garage Sale every spring (typically the first Saturday in May) hosted by Silberstein Properties through Keller Williams Valley Realty.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | $10 | - |
| Pickup location | Police Department | - |
| Pickup time | Day of the sale | - |
| Display required | On the premises | - |
| Maximum fine | $50 | - |
| Permit Required | - | No - permit-free |
| Sign Restriction | - | Only on sale property (Code §11-1) |
| Annual Townwide Event | - | First Saturday in May (Silberstein Properties) |
| 2026 Townwide Date | - | Saturday May 3, 9 AM - 3 PM |
| Max Sign Penalty | - | Up to $1,250 (N.J.S.A. 40:49-5) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Where do I pick up a Garfield garage sale permit?
Permits must be picked up from the Garfield Police Department on the day of the sale and displayed prominently on the premises throughout the sale.
Does the permit cover rummage and attic sales too?
Yes. Garfield's ordinance defines garage sales to include attic sales, rummage sales, and similar casual sales of personal property advertised to the public.
Mahwah FAQ
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Mahwah?
No. Mahwah Township does not require a permit for a residential garage sale. Hold the sale at your property and follow the sign-placement rules.
Where can I put my garage sale signs?
Only on the property where the sale is held. Signs are prohibited on trees, rocks, fences, utility poles, street signs, and at intersections. Township Code Enforcement removes illegal signs and can issue municipal violations up to $1,250.
What is the Mahwah Townwide Garage Sale?
An annual community event — typically the first Saturday in May — coordinated by Silberstein Properties through Keller Williams Valley Realty. Homes register through the host's website to appear on the township-wide map. The 2026 event was Saturday, May 3, 9 AM - 3 PM.
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