Kent, WA Garage & Yard Sales: Garage Sale Permits (2026)

Kent does not require a specific permit, fee, or application for occasional residential garage, yard, or estate sales. This is consistent with most Washington cities, which treat casual sales of household items as non-commercial activity exempt from the business license under KCC 5.01. To remain classified as a garage sale rather than a retail business, Kent generally allows up to 3 sales per household per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. Exceeding these limits can lead to the activity being classified as an ongoing retail business in a residential zone, which is prohibited under KCC 15.08 (Zoning) and would require a Kent business license, state UBI, and commercial zoning relief. Sales must be conducted on private property (garage, driveway, or front yard), cannot block sidewalks or the public right-of-way under KCC 6.07, and must end by dusk. Traffic and parking generated by the sale must comply with normal on-street parking rules (no blocking driveways, hydrants, or creating safety hazards). Signs advertising the sale are regulated under KCC 15.06 and cannot be placed on utility poles, street signs, or in the public right-of-way. Washington state sales tax (RCW 82.12.0273) generally does not apply to casual sales of used household goods valued under 10,000 dollars per year. Contact Kent Code Enforcement at 253-856-5270 or 253-856-5200 city hall for questions.