Providence County communities allow garage and yard sales without permits in most cases but require neat display and prompt cleanup. Signs must be removed within 24-48 hours after the sale under local sign codes. Frequency is typically limited to 2-4 sales per year.
Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket permit residential garage sales without a business license, treating them as incidental disposal of household goods. Providence Zoning Ordinance §1200 and Cranston Code §17.96 limit sales to 2-4 per household per year, typically 2-3 consecutive days each. Sales cannot become de facto retail operations (indicator: regular frequency or non-household merchandise). Merchandise must be displayed on the driveway, garage, or within 10 feet of the residence, not strewn across the yard or sidewalk. Temporary garage sale signs are permitted on the property of the sale; signs on utility poles, trees, and public right-of-way are prohibited under Providence Code §21-5 and subject to removal. Signs must come down within 24 hours of sale end. Properties accumulating unsold items at curbside between sales are subject to blight and property maintenance citations under Providence Housing Code §17.
Signs in public right-of-way: removal by city plus $25-$100 fine. Unsold items left curbside: Providence Housing Code blight citation $50-$200. Exceeding frequency limits: treated as unlicensed retail, fines up to $500.
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See how Foster Center's garage sale rules rules stack up against other locations.
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