Contra Costa County, CA Garage & Yard Sales: Garage Sale Permits (2026)

Contra Costa County does not require homeowners in unincorporated areas to obtain a permit or license for residential garage, yard, or estate sales, consistent with most Bay Area jurisdictions. Sales must be held on the resident's own property or with the owner's written permission. Merchandise offered should be used household items belonging to the occupant, not newly purchased retail goods (which would constitute an unlicensed retail business under Zoning Code Title 88). Sales must comply with traffic, parking, and sign regulations: no blocking of driveways, fire hydrants, or crosswalks; signs limited to six square feet and prohibited in the public right-of-way. California sales tax generally does not apply to occasional private garage sales (two or fewer per year threshold under BOE regulations). If food is sold, county Environmental Health permit rules apply.