San Antonio requires a free garage sale permit from Development Services before each sale. Properties are limited to four permitted sales per calendar year, each up to three consecutive days. Hours are 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Signs must include the permit number and may only be placed on private property. Violations carry $100-$500 fines.
San Antonio Code of Ordinances Chapter 16 regulates garage sales and similar residential resale events. Residents must obtain a free garage sale permit from the Development Services Department before holding a sale. Applications can be submitted online via the city portal or in person at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center. Each residential address is limited to four permitted garage sales per calendar year, and each sale may last up to three consecutive days. Permitted hours are 7:00 AM through 8:00 PM.
The permit number must be displayed on the sale itself and on every directional sign. Signs may be placed only on the seller's own property or on private property with the owner's permission — never on utility poles, traffic signs, medians, street trees, or any public right-of-way. All signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Only personal used household goods belonging to the resident may be sold; commercial resale or new merchandise is prohibited and would require a business license.
Holding a garage sale without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense. Posting signs on public property carries a separate $100-per-sign fine plus removal cost. Exceeding the four-permit annual cap or selling commercial inventory may result in citation and denial of future permits.
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