Portland, OR Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max duration
- 3 consecutive days
- Frequency limit
- 2 occasions per calendar year
- Zones covered
- IR, CI1, RF–RM4, RMP zones
- Outside merchandise
- Not allowed, on-site items only
Summary
Portland caps garage sales at 3 consecutive days, held on no more than 2 separate occasions per calendar year, in residential and mixed-employment zones under the temporary activities chapter of the zoning code.
Garage sales and other sales of items from the site may occur in the IR, CI1, and RF through RM4 and RMP zones for no more than 3 consecutive days on 2 different occasions during a calendar year. The sale of products brought to the site for the sale is not allowed.
Full Breakdown
Portland's zoning code treats garage sales as a temporary activity, not a permanent or accessory use. In the IR, CI1, and RF through RM4 and RMP zones, the city's residential and lower-intensity mixed zones, a property may hold garage sales for no more than 3 consecutive days, and only on 2 separate occasions during a calendar year. Selling merchandise brought in from elsewhere for the sale, rather than items already at the site, is not allowed. A sale that runs longer or happens more often loses its temporary-activity status and becomes subject to the zoning code's regular use and development standards for that property.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 3-day/2-occasion limit, or selling outside merchandise brought to the site, forfeits the temporary-activity exemption and makes the use subject to standard zoning enforcement by the Bureau of Development Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many garage sales can I hold each year in Portland?
Can I sell items brought in from elsewhere at my Portland garage sale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon garage & yard sales overview
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Frequency, Duration & Permits in Nearby Cities
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