Highland, CA Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

HMC § 5.04.370 governs every yard sale in the City of Highland. The chapter defines a yard sale as any event where personal property owned, used or maintained by occupants of premises other than a licensed commercial business is offered for sale to the general public, and says it includes garage, patio, rummage and similarly conducted sales. Running one without first obtaining a permit is unlawful, and the permit fee is set by resolution. Sales made under court order or process are exempt.

The frequency limit is per individual or household: three sales per 12-month period. Each sale is limited to three consecutive days or two consecutive weekends of two days each. Sales cannot be back to back or overlapping, because the section bars consecutive or concurrent sales. Selling is allowed only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Before a permit issues, the applicant files a sworn statement with the collector that all property to be sold is the applicant's own personal property and was not acquired or consigned for the purpose of resale. If the occupant of the premises is selling another person's property, that owner must also sign a sworn statement that it is his own personal property.

Display is restricted. Sale goods cannot be displayed in the public right-of-way, must be arranged so fire safety service and other officials have access for inspection at all times during the sale, and can be displayed only on the days of the sale and between the sale hours. Signs are limited to one double faced sign not exceeding six square feet in area with a maximum height of five feet, or four feet when placed within the front yard or sidestreet yard setback area. The sign is allowed only on the property where the sale is located, can be posted 24 hours before the sale, and must come down immediately after it. The business license officer enforces the chapter and can delegate to assistants and safety personnel.