Austin does not require a permit for residential garage sales. The city does not impose a specific limit on the number of garage sales per year by ordinance, but sales that appear to operate as ongoing retail businesses may trigger zoning enforcement for unauthorized commercial activity in a residential zone under Title 25 of the Land Development Code. Garage sale signs may only be placed on the property where the sale is occurring. Sales of food or beverages may require a Temporary Food Permit from Austin Public Health.
Austin's garage sale regulations ensure yard sales remain occasional activities rather than ongoing commercial operations. Each property is limited to 2–4 sales per year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days. Sales may occur only on the property owner's lot — merchandise cannot spill onto sidewalks, driveways, or streets. Some areas require residents to obtain a free temporary sale permit from the city clerk's office. Merchandise must be used household items, not new or commercial goods. Unsold items must be removed or stored indoors within 24 hours of the sale's conclusion. Repeated sales exceeding frequency limits may be investigated as unlicensed home businesses. Multi-family or neighborhood-wide sales may have different rules or require a community event permit.
Exceeding frequency limits: warning, then $100–$300 fine per additional sale. Merchandise on public sidewalks: $50 fine per occurrence. Operating as a de facto retail business: home business licensing requirements apply.
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