Sunnyvale does not require a permit for residential garage sales but limits frequency and restricts advertising signs to private property.
The City of Sunnyvale does not require residents to obtain a permit or pay a fee to hold a garage, yard, or estate sale on their own residential property. Sunnyvale Municipal Code treats garage sales as an accessory residential use subject to reasonable limits: generally no more than 3 to 4 sales per address per calendar year, each lasting no more than 2 to 3 consecutive days, and conducted on the residential property (not in the public right-of-way). Only personal household goods belonging to residents of the property may be sold, not purchased inventory. Advertising signs must be on private property with the owners consent, may not be placed on utility poles, streetlights, traffic signs, or in the public right-of-way, and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale. If sales become frequent or appear commercial in nature, code enforcement may require the resident to obtain a business license or cease operations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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