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Baltimore County, MD Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Sales allowed
Two per year
Duration each
One weekend
Zoning basis
BCZR § 101 (accessory use)
Outside exhibitors
Not permitted
Right-of-way signs
Prohibited as litter

Summary

Baltimore County allows a home owner or resident two private garage or yard sales per year as an accessory use in a residential zone, each no longer than a weekend, with no outside exhibitors. The rule flows from Section 101 of the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A private home owner/resident is permitted to have two private garage or yard sale per year as an accessory use to the dwelling in a residential zone, provided: 1. that the sale would not be longer than a weekend at one time; 2. that there are no other exhibitors of sale items on the property other than the owner/resident.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under the County's Zoning Policy Manual (A-22), interpreting Section 101 of the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations, a private home owner/resident is permitted to have two private garage or yard sales per year as an accessory use to the dwelling in a residential zone, provided the sale is not longer than a weekend at one time and there are no other exhibitors of sale items on the property other than the owner/resident. A recurring or ongoing sale becomes a prohibited commercial use in a residential zone. Any signs must stay on private property and be removed after the sale; signs placed in the public right-of-way are treated as litter. Municipalities and community associations within the County may add their own rules.

Violations & Fines

More than two sales a year, sales over a weekend, or ongoing outdoor sales in a residential zone is a zoning violation. Right-of-way signs are removed as illegal litter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many garage sales can I have per year?
Two. Baltimore County permits a home owner or resident two private garage or yard sales per year as an accessory use in a residential zone, each lasting no more than a weekend.
Do I need a permit for a yard sale?
No County permit is required for the allowed two residential sales, but you may not have outside exhibitors, and incorporated towns or HOAs may add rules.
Can I put up yard-sale signs on the corner?
No. Signs must stay on private property and be removed after the sale; signs in the public right-of-way are treated as illegal litter and can be removed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

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