Vancouver does not require a permit for residential garage sales. Sales conducted on the owner's property lasting no more than 3 days and held no more than twice per calendar year are exempt from the temporary-use permit process under VMC 20.885.
VMC 20.885.020 exempts garage sales and yard sales from the city's temporary-use permit requirements provided the sale: (1) lasts no longer than 3 days, (2) is held no more than twice per calendar year, and (3) is conducted on the owner's property. No business license or special event permit is required under VMC 5.17.060. Signage advertising the sale must comply with VMC 20.960 (Signs), including the 7-calendar-day annual posting limit and the 24-hour post-sale removal requirement. If any part of the sale will extend into the public right-of-way, a Type A right-of-way use permit (VMC 11.60.060) may be required. Sales that exceed the frequency or duration thresholds may be regulated as a home occupation or temporary use requiring separate approvals.
No permit violations apply to compliant sales. Exceeding frequency or duration thresholds or violating sign rules may result in civil code citations under VMC Title 22.
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