McHenry County, IL Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- Required from Chief of Police
- Annual limit
- 3 licenses per 12 months
- Duration
- 4 consecutive days maximum
- Hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Unincorporated county
- No county permit
Summary
Rules are set by each city. Crystal Lake requires a garage sale license from the Chief of Police, limits residents to three licenses per 12 months, caps each sale at four consecutive days, and bars sales before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Unincorporated areas have no county permit.
No person or group of persons shall receive more than three garage sale licenses during any 12 consecutive months.
Full Breakdown
McHenry County does not license garage sales on unincorporated land, so municipal rules govern. In Crystal Lake, Chapter 274 makes it unlawful to conduct a garage sale without first obtaining a garage sale license from the Chief of Police. No person or group may receive more than three garage sale licenses during any 12 consecutive months, no license issues for more than four consecutive calendar days, and no sale may begin before 8:00 a.m. or continue past 6:00 p.m. Other McHenry County cities set their own frequency and duration limits, so residents should check their own municipal code before advertising a sale.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unlicensed sale, exceeding three licenses a year, or running longer than four days violates Chapter 274 and carries municipal fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Crystal Lake?
How long can a garage sale run?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois garage & yard sales overview
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