San Diego vs San Marcos
How do garage sale rules rules compare between San Diego, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Diego and San Marcos have similar restriction levels.
San Diego, CA
San Diego County
Garage, yard, and estate sales in San Diego are addressed in the Municipal Code (formerly §141.0305, since renumbered). No city permit is required for occasional garage sales. California CDTFA rules provide that sellers holding no more than two sales in a 12-month period qualify as occasional sellers exempt from a seller's permit. Three or more sales per year require a temporary seller's permit from the state.
View full San Diego rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos permits garage and yard sales on residential property without a permit. Sales are limited to 3 per calendar year per household, with each sale lasting up to 3 consecutive days.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Diego | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| City Permit | Not required for occasional garage sales | - |
| State Rule | 2 or fewer sales/year = occasional seller (no state permit) | - |
| Frequent Sales | 3+ sales/year requires CA temporary seller's permit | - |
| Signs | No signs on public property; own property only | - |
| Tax | Items sold at original purchase price or less generally not taxable | - |
| Permit | - | Not required |
| Frequency | - | 3 per year maximum |
| Duration | - | 3 consecutive days max |
| Hours | - | 7 AM to sunset |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Diego FAQ
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in San Diego?
No city permit is required. If you hold more than two sales per year, you may need a temporary seller's permit from the California CDTFA.
How often can I have a garage sale?
The City does not impose a strict limit. However, holding three or more sales per year triggers California state requirements for a temporary seller's permit.
San Marcos FAQ
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in San Marcos?
No permit is required. Residential garage sales are allowed up to 3 times per year.
How many garage sales can I have per year?
Up to 3 per calendar year, with each sale lasting a maximum of 3 consecutive days.
What hours can I hold a garage sale?
Sales may operate between 7:00 AM and sunset.
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