Dothan, AL Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual limit
- 3 yard sales per dwelling per year
- Sale duration
- 2 consecutive days, 10 hrs/day max
- Permit lead time
- at least 3 business days ahead
- Food sales
- not allowed
- No-permit penalty
- $10.00 noncompliance notice
- 4th sale
- requires filed probate estate name
Summary
Yard sales in the City of Dothan are capped at three per dwelling per calendar year under Sec. 18-273, and each sale can run only two consecutive days for up to ten hours per day. A permit from the business license office is required at least three business days before the sale, and a fourth "estate sale" needs proof of a filed probate estate in Houston County.
(1)Not more than three yard sales shall be held at any one dwelling during the calendar year. A fourth yard sale or "estate sale" may be permitted after the individual wishing to conduct the sale provides the name of the estate as filed in the office of the judge of probate in Houston County.(2)No person shall participate in, including having property sold at more than three yard sales in the city during the calendar year, regardless of whether such additional sale is held at the individual's dwelling or at the dwelling of another person.(3)Yard sales shall be limited to two days in duration, which days must be consecutive, for a period of not more than ten hours each day. Inclement weather may extend the period of time equal to the days lost provided notice is given to the business license office within two working days.
Full Breakdown
Dothan City Code Sec. 18-271 defines a yard sale broadly to include a garage sale, lawn sale, attic sale, rummage sale or flea market sale of household furnishings or personal possessions on a residential lot within the city. Sec. 18-272 bars offering property at a yard sale if it was specifically acquired for resale or accepted on consignment for the sale. Sec. 18-273 sets the frequency and duration limits: no more than three yard sales may be held at any one dwelling during the calendar year, and no individual may participate in or have property sold at more than three yard sales citywide in a calendar year, regardless of whose dwelling hosts them.
A fourth sale is allowed only as an "estate sale," and only after the person conducting it provides the name of the estate as filed with the Houston County judge of probate. Each sale is limited to two consecutive days of no more than ten hours each, though inclement weather can extend the sale by the days lost if the business license office gets notice within two working days. No food may be sold. Sales on apartment or mobile-home-park common areas require a permission letter from the property manager.
Sec. 18-274 requires a permit from the business license office at least three business days before the sale, obtainable in person, by phone, fax or mail, and Sec. 18-277 authorizes police, revenue or zoning officers to inspect any yard-sale premises during the sale, with or without notice.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 18-275 makes failing to get a permit before a yard sale grounds for a notice of noncompliance carrying a $10.00 penalty; anyone who does not obtain the permit and pay the penalty within five business days of that notice is in violation of the article. Sec. 18-278 subjects other violations, including exceeding the three-sale annual limit or the two-day duration cap, to the general penalty in Sec. 1-4: a fine up to $500.00, up to six months' imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yard sales can I hold at my Dothan home each year?
How long can a Dothan yard sale run?
Do I need a permit for a Dothan garage sale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dothan
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