Reading, PA Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max sales
- 4 per year per lot
- Sale length
- 2 days maximum
- Hours
- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Merchandise
- Used items only
- Permit fee
- $0
Summary
Reading caps residential yard and garage sales at four per year per lot, two days each, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., used items only, and the required zoning permit is free.
Yard and garage sales shall only be allowed as accessory to a residential lot. Customarily incidental accessory yard and garage sales are permitted, provided the following requirements are met in residential districts: A. Yard and garage sales in residential districts shall not occur more than four times per year per lot, and each sale shall not exceed two days. B. Only used items may be sold in a residential district. C. Hours of operation shall be between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 600-1011 of the Zoning Ordinance, yard and garage sales are allowed only as an accessory use on a residential lot. A lot may hold no more than four sales a year, each capped at two days, restricted to used merchandise, and running only between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sale activity can't block a public sidewalk or wheelchair access. The City's fee schedule (Chapter 212, § 212-147) lists the zoning permit for a yard sale at $0, a permit is required, but it costs nothing to obtain from the Zoning Administrator.
Violations & Fines
Violating the zoning chapter's sale limits exposes the property owner to a civil enforcement judgment of $100 to $500 plus court costs and attorney fees under § 600-206; each day of a continuing violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a yard sale in Reading?
How many yard sales can I hold per year?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
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