Reading, PA Garage & Yard Sales: Garage Sale Permits (2026)

Reading's Code of Ordinances at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/readingpa/latest/reading_pa/0-0-0-1 does not include a chapter dedicated to garage or yard sales — by contrast, the neighboring Borough of West Reading at https://ecode360.com/30062091 has Chapter 391 requiring a yard-sale permit (first free, second $5, two-per-year cap). Within Reading City limits, an occasional residential garage sale of household items on private property is treated as a non-commercial use that does not require a City permit. The Reading Permits, Applications, and Licenses page at https://www.readingpa.gov/permits-applications-licenses lists business privilege, rental, and contractor licenses but does not list a separate garage-sale permit. Operationally, residents should be aware of three boundary issues: (1) signs advertising the sale must comply with the City's signage rules in Chapter 27 (Zoning) — typically signs are limited to the property where the sale occurs and may not be posted on utility poles, in the public right-of-way, or in planting strips; (2) sales that recur frequently or that involve substantial inventory the seller did not personally use can be treated as unlicensed business activity requiring a business privilege license through the City Finance Department; and (3) sales of items prohibited by law (firearms without an FFL, unregistered alcohol, controlled substances) remain illegal regardless of garage-sale framing. Berks County does not impose a county-level garage-sale permit.