Madison does not require a permit for occasional residential garage sales. Sales are limited in frequency and duration. Signs must comply with MGO Chapter 31. Ongoing sales may trigger home business zoning review.
Madison does not require residents to obtain a permit for occasional garage, yard, or rummage sales on their own residential property. The activity is treated as the incidental disposal of household personal property rather than retail commerce. Customary practice limits each household to approximately three sales per year, each no more than three consecutive days. Sales must not create ongoing retail activity, which would require home business zoning compliance under MGO Chapter 28. Recommended sale hours are daytime (roughly 8 AM to 7 PM) to avoid noise and quiet-hours concerns. Signs advertising the sale must comply with MGO Chapter 31: no placement in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, on street trees, or affixed to traffic signs. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Sales from vehicles or on vacant lots may require additional permits.
Frequent or ongoing sales may be treated as unpermitted home business under MGO Chapter 28. Sign violations fall under MGO Chapter 31.
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