Garage Sale Permits: Pasadena vs South San Gabriel
How do garage sale permits rules compare between Pasadena, CA and South San Gabriel, CA?
South San Gabriel has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
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 →South San Gabriel, CA
Los Angeles County
Yard sales in unincorporated LA County do not require a specific permit but must comply with County Ordinance 22.140.620. Sales are only permitted on properties with existing residential use. Only the property owner or tenant may conduct a sale.
View full South San Gabriel rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pasadena | South San Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | PMC §17.50.190 | - |
| 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) | - |
| Permit | - | Not required |
| Who May Sell | - | Owner or tenant only |
| Property Type | - | Must have residential use |
| Reference | - | County Ord. 22.140.620 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South San Gabriel FAQ
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in unincorporated LA County?
No. Occasional garage sales do not require a permit. Just follow sign placement rules, keep noise reasonable, and don't block sidewalks or driveways.
Do I need to charge sales tax at a garage sale?
Generally no for used personal items sold below their original price. New items and items sold for more than you paid are technically subject to California sales tax. Most occasional sellers are not required to register for a seller's permit.
Can I sell food at my garage sale?
Selling prepared food requires a health permit from the Department of Public Health. Prepackaged commercial food items can be sold without a permit. Homemade food sales fall under cottage food regulations.
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