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Lexington, KY Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License
Exempt from § 15-12 peddler license
Duration standard
Must be 'temporary in nature' (§ 15-13)
Zoning
Must comply with zoning ordinance
Public property
Barred without government authorization
Numeric cap
None stated in the code
If exemption lost
§ 15-14 fine up to $250/day applies

Summary

Lexington-Fayette exempts yard sales, garage sales and bake sales from the peddler and itinerant merchant license required under Code § 15-12, but § 15-13 conditions that exemption on the sale being temporary, compliant with zoning, and kept off public property or the right-of-way unless the urban county government authorizes it.

Sec. 15-13 - Exceptions. The provisions of section 15-12 of the code of ordinances shall not apply to the following: ... Yard sales, garage sales, bake sales or other similar types of activities. These activities must be temporary in nature and must comply with all local ordinance and zoning ordinance provisions and must not be located on public property or public right-of-way unless expressly authorized by the urban county government.

Source: LFUCG Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication | Zoning Ordinance: Republication).

Full Breakdown

Section 15-13 lists exceptions to the peddler/itinerant merchant licensing scheme in section 15-12, and yard sales, garage sales, bake sales 'or other similar types of activities' are one of them, meaning a homeowner running a weekend garage sale does not need to secure the § 13-13 peddler license, post the $500 bond, or wear a badge that a commercial peddler must carry. ' The code does not set a numeric cap on how many sales per year or how many days a sale may run, the only durational language is the 'temporary in nature' standard, so a resident running what functions as an ongoing retail operation out of a yard risks falling outside the exemption and back under the general peddler licensing requirement in section 15-12.

Because section 15-13 folds this exemption into the same article that penalizes unlicensed peddling, a garage sale that stops being temporary, or that spills onto the sidewalk or street without authorization, exposes the seller to the section 15-14 penalty that otherwise applies to unlicensed peddling.

Violations & Fines

A garage or yard sale that loses its 'temporary' character, ignores applicable zoning provisions, or sets up on public property or the right-of-way without urban county government authorization falls outside the § 15-13 exemption and becomes subject to the general peddler licensing requirements of § 15-12, exposing the seller to the up-to-$250.00 daily fine set in § 15-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Lexington?
No separate permit or peddler license is required. Section 15-13 exempts 'yard sales, garage sales, bake sales or other similar types of activities' from the peddler and itinerant merchant licensing requirement in section 15-12, so a typical residential garage sale can proceed without applying to the division of revenue.
Are there conditions attached to the garage sale exemption?
Yes, three. Section 15-13 requires the sale to 'be temporary in nature,' to 'comply with all local ordinance and zoning ordinance provisions,' and to stay off 'public property or public right-of-way unless expressly authorized by the urban county government.' Meeting all three keeps the sale outside the licensing requirement.
How many days can a Lexington garage sale run?
The code doesn't set a specific day count or annual limit: section 15-13 only requires the activity be 'temporary in nature.' A sale that runs continuously enough to look like an ongoing retail operation risks losing the exemption and being treated as unlicensed peddling under section 15-12.
Can I set up garage sale signs or tables in the street?
Not without authorization. Section 15-13 requires the sale to stay off public property or the public right-of-way 'unless expressly authorized by the urban county government,' so tables, signage or merchandise placed in the street or on the sidewalk without that authorization fall outside the exemption.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lexington

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant Restrictions

All Lexington rules

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