Union County, NJ Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency Limits (2026)

Frequency limits on garage and yard sales across Union County prevent residential properties from operating as ongoing retail operations. Elizabeth Revised Ordinances Chapter 5.44 restricts households to 2 sales per calendar year with up to 3 consecutive days each. Westfield Code §11-14 caps at 2 sales per year with 3-day maximum. Summit similar 2 sales, 2-3 days each. Cranford Code §4-13 allows 2 sales of 2 consecutive days each per year. Scotch Plains and Mountainside similar 2/year limits. Plainfield more permissive at 3 sales per year. Union Township, Linden, Rahway limit 2-3 sales. Exceeding local frequency limits may trigger home business zoning violations (typically $100-$500 fines) and in serious cases zoning action under NJ MLUL for unauthorized commercial use in residential zones. Estate sales triggered by death, relocation, or property sale are typically exempt or handled under separate estate sale provisions. Neighborhood-wide block sales in Westfield, Summit, Cranford, and Scotch Plains are often permitted as single events with one coordinating permit, particularly for established neighborhood associations. Church rummage sales, school fundraisers, and charitable nonprofit sales operate under separate rules usually without count toward household limit. Repeat violators may receive zoning citation indicating home business without approved home occupation permit (requiring zoning board review).