Tempe permits residential garage and yard sales with reasonable frequency limits to prevent commercial retail activity in residential zones. The city does not require garage sale permits. Excessive frequency that suggests ongoing retail operations may be addressed through zoning enforcement as an unauthorized home business.
Tempe allows residential garage and yard sales as a normal residential activity. The city does not require permits for garage sales. However, frequent or continuous sales that resemble ongoing retail operations cross the line from residential activity into commercial use, which is not permitted in residential zones without proper zoning. Standard neighborhood garage sales held a few times per year are considered normal residential activity. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with the city's temporary sign provisions. Sales should be conducted on private property (driveway, yard, garage) and not extend onto sidewalks or the public right-of-way. Neighborhood-wide or community garage sale events are popular in Tempe and are generally encouraged as community-building activities. Items should be removed and the property cleaned up at the end of each sale day.
Frequent or continuous sales may be cited as unauthorized retail use in a residential zone. Sign violations may be cited separately.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle frequency limits.
See how Tempe's frequency limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.