Tippecanoe County, IN Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Unified Zoning Ordinance § 5-6, Garage Sales, states its intent in § 5-6-1 is to let residents hold sales that are neither an ongoing nuisance to neighbors nor a threat to retailers confined to commercial zones. Section 5-6-2(a) sets the frequency cap: up to 2 garage sales may be conducted in any calendar year on a premises located in any residential zone, or at any residence located in any nonresidential zone. Section 5-6-2(b) sets the duration limit: a garage sale shall not run more than 3 consecutive days, and only during daylight hours, so overnight or extended multi-week sales are not permitted regardless of how the count of 2 sales per year is used.

Section 5-6-2(d) further requires that everything sold be the personal property of the owner, occupier, or group they represent, and bars items purchased specifically for resale at the sale, which distinguishes a garage sale from an unlicensed retail operation. In Lafayette, West Lafayette, Dayton, Battle Ground, and Clarks Hill, § 5-6-2(c) additionally requires a permit from the Administrative Officer before the sale, specifying the address, dates, and times, with the permit displayed prominently throughout. Section 5-6-2(e) requires that all outdoor evidence of the sale, including sale items, display surfaces, and posted notices, be removed within 3 hours of the closing time stated on the permit.