Houston requires a $10 garage sale permit from the Administration and Regulatory Affairs (ARA) department before holding a sale. Each address is limited to two permits per calendar year, with each sale lasting up to three consecutive days. Applications must be submitted at least three business days in advance. Signs on public property are prohibited.
The City of Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs (ARA) department issues garage sale permits under Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances. Every residential garage sale, yard sale, or estate sale within city limits requires a permit, which costs $10 and is valid for a single sale of up to three consecutive days. Each address is limited to two garage sale permits per calendar year. Applications must be submitted at least three business days in advance, either online via the ARA portal or in person at 611 Walker Street.
Authorized hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The permit must be visibly posted at the sale location. Signs advertising the sale must include the permit number and may be placed only on the seller's own property or on private property with written permission of the owner. Posting signs on utility poles, traffic signs, esplanades, or any public right-of-way is prohibited and signs will be removed by Public Works. Only used personal household goods belonging to the resident may be sold — commercial resale or new-merchandise sales require a separate business license.
Operating without a garage sale permit is a Class C misdemeanor in Houston, punishable by a fine up to $500. Posting signs on public property is a separate offense at $100-$200 per sign plus removal costs. Operating outside permitted hours or exceeding the two-permit annual cap may result in citation and denial of future permits.
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