Atlanta limits the frequency of garage sales to prevent residential properties from functioning as retail businesses. While the city code does not specify an exact number of permitted sales per year, enforcement practice treats more than three sales per year at a single address as potentially exceeding the scope of a temporary residential activity and entering the territory of an unpermitted home business.
The city's zoning enforcement uses a general guideline of no more than three garage or yard sales per year at a single address. Each sale should last no more than three consecutive days. Properties that host more frequent sales may be investigated for operating an unpermitted commercial use in a residential zone. Enforcement is typically complaint-driven — neighbors or code enforcement officers may flag properties that appear to be conducting ongoing retail operations. Estate sales managed by licensed companies are treated differently and may not count toward the frequency limit. Community or block-wide garage sales organized by neighborhood associations are generally permitted as special events.
Exceeding the reasonable frequency of garage sales may result in a warning followed by a zoning violation citation for operating an unpermitted business in a residential zone. Fines for zoning violations can reach $1,000 per day. A business license would be required for ongoing sales activity.
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