Boise, ID Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Sales allowed
- 2 per calendar year
- Max duration
- 3 days per sale
- Location
- Your residence or place of business
- License
- None required if limits met
- Inventory rule
- No business or resale-bought goods
Summary
Boise exempts garage and yard sales from its vendor license, but caps residents at two sales a year, three days each.
Garage, Yard Sales: Garage, yard or similar sales by individuals at their residence or place of business not exceeding two (2) separate sales in one calendar year, not to exceed three (3) days each, which sales shall not include business inventory or items that have been purchased for the purpose of resale at another garage sale;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).
Full Breakdown
Boise City Code Chapter 3-2 requires a City Clerk vendor license for anyone selling goods within city limits, but section 3-2-7 carves out an exception for homeowners: garage, yard or similar sales at your residence or place of business don't need a license as long as you hold no more than two separate sales per calendar year, each lasting no more than three days. The sale also can't include business inventory or items bought specifically to resell at another garage sale, that crosses the line into unlicensed vending. Go over the frequency, duration, or inventory limits and the sale falls back under the chapter's general vendor licensing requirement.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 2 sales/year or 3 days each, or selling business/resale inventory, voids the exemption and requires a vendor license; unlicensed vending is a misdemeanor under § 3-2-19, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Boise?
Can I sell items I bought to resell?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boise
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