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Virginia Beach, VA Garage & Yard Sales: Frequency, Duration & Permits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
No, for occasional sales
Governing exemption
City Code § 26-26(b)
Second exemption
City Code § 33-6(b)(5)
Frequency/duration cap
Not defined in code
Where it applies
Residential areas only

Summary

Virginia Beach exempts occasional garage and yard sales in residential areas from both its door-to-door solicitor permit and its public/right-of-way sale permit, so residents can hold one without applying to the city.

The requirements of this section shall not apply to ... occasional garage sales in residential areas; sales made at flea markets duly licensed by the city; or sales by wholesale merchants to retail merchants or industrial or commercial establishments.

Source: Virginia Beach Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 26-26(b) exempts "occasional garage sales in residential areas" from the peddler/solicitor permit that otherwise covers unsolicited door-to-door and premises sales in Virginia Beach. § 33-6(b)(5) grants the identical carve-out from the separate permit required for sales conducted on private property near a public right-of-way. Neither section defines "occasional," caps the number of sale days, or sets hours, so a typical residential garage or yard sale needs no city permit, application, or fee, unlike peddling, right-of-way vending, or flea-market selling, which do.

Violations & Fines

A qualifying occasional garage sale has no violation to answer for. Selling outside the exemption without the required permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 26-1, and unpermitted right-of-way sales under § 33-6 are a Class 1 misdemeanor as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a garage sale in Virginia Beach?
No. City Code § 26-26(b) and § 33-6(b)(5) both exempt occasional garage sales in residential areas from the city's solicitor and right-of-way sale permits.
How many garage sales can I hold per year?
The code sets no numeric limit: it only says "occasional." Sales frequent enough to look like an ongoing business could fall outside the exemption and require other approvals.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

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