Mountain View does not require a permit for occasional residential garage sales. Frequency is limited to a few per year per household, and commercial-scale operations trigger business license rules.
Residential garage, yard, estate, and moving sales in Mountain View do not require a permit or business license when conducted as occasional events by the residents of the property. The City limits each household to a small number of sales per year (typically two to three weekends) to keep events from functioning as unpermitted retail businesses. Sales must involve personal household items only, not merchandise purchased for resale. All activity must occur on private property; merchandise cannot spill onto sidewalks, parkstrips, or streets. Signage rules apply to advertising (see garage sale signs), and all signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Sales that run continuously, rotate inventory from outside sources, or generate significant traffic can be classified as home-based businesses requiring a business license and zoning review. Repeat violations can lead to administrative citations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View prohibits disturbing noise between 10pm and 7am weekdays and 10pm to 8am weekends, with enforcement by police and code enforcement officers.
Mountain View, CA
Amplified music from speakers, DJs, and live bands requires compliance with decibel limits and quiet hours; Shoreline Amphitheatre operates under a separate ...
Mountain View, CA
Industrial and commercial properties in Mountain View must comply with stationary noise source limits measured at property lines, with conditions enforced th...
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View Chapter 21 sets specific decibel thresholds varying by zoning district and time of day, measured at property lines with standardized equipment.
Mountain View, CA
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB ...
Mountain View, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats in Mountain View cannot park on public streets over 72 hours and face Large Vehicle Ordinance limits. Residential storage must be on...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle garage sale permits.
See how Mountain View's garage sale permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.