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

Residential garage sales in Costa Mesa are permitted without a formal permit or fee as long as they are conducted at the seller's own residence and comply with general nuisance and sign regulations. Sales may take place in the garage, driveway, front yard, or other areas of the property but may not extend onto sidewalks, parkway strips, or public streets. Items for sale must be confined to the property boundaries. Garage sales should operate during reasonable daylight hours, typically between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and must not create excessive noise, traffic, or parking disruptions in the neighborhood. Temporary signs advertising the sale are subject to Costa Mesa's sign ordinance under Title 13. Directional signs may not be placed on utility poles, traffic signs, street lights, or other public infrastructure. Signs placed on private property require the property owner's permission. All signs must be removed immediately after the sale concludes. Signs left in the public right-of-way may be removed by the city without notice. The city's Code Enforcement Division responds to complaints about garage sales that create nuisance conditions such as excessive traffic, blocked streets, or commercial-scale operations being conducted under the guise of a residential garage sale. Regularly recurring sales or sales of new merchandise may be considered commercial activity requiring a business license.