Lowell residents generally do not need a permit for occasional garage or yard sales, but frequency limits apply to keep sales residential rather than commercial.
Occasional garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales at a residence in Lowell are treated as personal, non-commercial activity and typically do not require a city permit. However, to prevent unlicensed retail use of residential property, Lowell generally limits each household to a small number of sales per year (commonly 2 to 4 sales, each lasting no more than 2 to 3 consecutive days). Sales held more frequently can be treated as operating a business out of a home and may require a home occupation permit, business license, and zoning approval. Massachusetts sales tax (6.25 percent) does not apply to casual sales of used household goods but does apply if the seller is engaged in the regular business of selling goods. Sales on public property or in city parks require a separate permit.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
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Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
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