Buffalo does not require a specific permit for occasional residential garage sales, but frequency, signage, and right-of-way rules apply under the UDO and nuisance code.
Buffalo treats occasional residential yard and garage sales as accessory, non-commercial uses requiring no specific permit. Typical guidance limits households to 2-3 sales per year, each lasting no more than 2-3 consecutive days. Sales must be conducted on the residents property (not on the tree lawn, sidewalk, or street). Temporary advertising signs must follow UDO rules (small size, on-premises, removed within 24 hours of sale end). Holding frequent/ongoing sales converts the activity into a business requiring zoning approval as a home occupation or retail use. Unsold items must be removed at the end of each day; leaving items at the curb is illegal dumping. Amplified sound, outdoor PA, and traffic-blocking setups are prohibited.
Exceeding frequency (becomes business): zoning enforcement. Sidewalk/street obstruction: fine. Post-sale debris: dumping violation.
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