Chesapeake does not require a permit for residential garage sales when sales are occasional (typically 3-4 per year at the same address) and involve personal household goods. Frequent or high-volume sales may require a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Chesapeake's zoning ordinance treats garage, yard, and estate sales as accessory residential uses that do not require a permit or business license when they meet three conditions: the sale is of genuine personal household items belonging to the residents, frequency is limited (three to four times per year at the same address), and duration is short (usually 2-3 consecutive days). Sellers who routinely buy inventory for resale, hold sales monthly, or advertise as a regular business are operating an unlicensed business and may be cited; they must obtain a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue and comply with home occupation zoning rules. Sales of firearms, food requiring permits, or regulated items like alcohol are not allowed as part of a household garage sale. Signs are regulated separately under the sign ordinance.
Operating a pattern of sales without business license: Code Compliance citation plus Commissioner of the Revenue back-license assessment.
Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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Chesapeake, VA
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See how Chesapeake's garage sale permits rules stack up against other locations.
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