Multnomah County, OR Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency Limits (2026)

Portland City Code 33.203 (Accessory Uses) limits residential garage/yard/estate sales to a maximum of 4 occurrences per calendar year per residence, with each sale lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. Gresham Revised Code 7.45 sets the limit at 3 sales per year. Troutdale TMC 8.20 follows a 4-per-year standard. Unincorporated Multnomah County MCC 39 does not specify a frequency limit but classifies persistent sales as commercial use requiring zoning review. Exceeding limits in Portland or Gresham triggers a zoning violation - the property owner is operating an unlicensed retail business and must either cease operations or apply for Home Occupation Permit (typically Category 1 under PCC 33.203.080 which allows limited commerce with no external impacts). Multi-household, block, or neighborhood sales organized by a single host count as a single event for frequency purposes. Organized 'community-wide' yard sale days (e.g., I-205 Yard Sale) typically don't count against individual household limits when sponsored by a neighborhood association with municipal notification. Churches, schools, and nonprofits have separate rules for fundraising sales.