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San Antonio, TX Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
Chapter 16, Art. XII
Residential
4 sales per year (1 per quarter)
Duration
Max 2 consecutive days per sale
Nonprofits
Up to 12 sales per year
5-Item Rule
Selling 5+ items requires a permit

Summary

San Antonio limits residential properties to 4 garage sales per year, one per quarter, under Chapter 16, Article XII. Each sale may last no more than 2 consecutive days. Registered nonprofit organizations are allowed up to 12 garage sales per year. The sale of more than 5 items on residential property triggers the permit requirement. Estate sales must follow the same rules and regulations as garage sales.

(a) An occasional sale of a taxable item and the storage, use, or consumption of a taxable item the sale or transfer of which to a consumer is made by an occasional sale are exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter.(b) In this section, "occasional sale" means:(1) one or two sales of taxable items, other than an amusement service, at retail during a 12-month period by a person who does not habitually engage, or hold himself out as engaging, in the business of selling taxable items at retail;(2) the sale of the entire operating assets of a business or of a separate division, branch, or identifiable segment of a business;(3) a transfer of all or substantially all the property used by a p

Source: San Antonio Code of Ordinances Ch. 16 Art. XII – Garage Sales (frequency and permit limits)View official code

Full Breakdown

These limits prevent residential properties from operating as ongoing retail businesses. Multi-family or neighborhood-wide sales may be treated as a single event. Exceeding frequency limits may trigger home business regulations or zoning enforcement. Community or church sales may have separate rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many garage sales can I have per year in San Antonio?
Residential properties are limited to 4 garage sales per year, once per quarter, under Chapter 16, Article XII. Each sale may last a maximum of 2 consecutive days. Estate sales count toward this limit.
Can a nonprofit hold more garage sales?
Yes. Registered nonprofit organizations are permitted up to 12 garage sales per year, subject to the same rules regarding hours, signage, and permit requirements.

Sources & Official References

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