Elyria, OH Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Chapter 745 of the Elyria Codified Ordinances governs garage-style sales of household goods under the name rummage sale. Section 745.01 defines a rummage sale as a transaction or series of transactions transferring title or possession of more than twelve items of tangible personal property, consisting of miscellaneous articles of household goods, furniture, furnishings and personal effects, both used and new, for a consideration in any manner, whether for a price or rental, in money or by exchange.

Section 745.02 requires a written application on a form from the office of the Safety-Service Director or his or her designee, and a permit from that office, before anyone conducts a rummage sale in any building, room or place in the City. No permit is issued for more than four consecutive days. No rummage sale can begin before 8:00 a.m. or end later than 8:00 p.m., every day, including holidays. No person is issued more than two permits per year, and all permits are issued for a particular location, regardless of the person applying for the permit. The permit must be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises during the sale.

Section 745.03 sets no fee: the applicant is not required to pay any fee when the written application is filed with the Safety-Service Director's office.

Section 745.04 treats charitable, religious and fraternal organizations and corporations not for profit differently. They still have to comply with the chapter, but they are not limited to two rummage sales for four successive days per year, and not limited to two rummage sales per year at the same location.

The limits are enforced under § 745.99 as a minor misdemeanor, and a separate offense is counted for each day a sale is held over four successive days in a year.