Kent, WA Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules (2026)

Kent does not require a specific garage sale permit under Kent City Code, unlike some cities, but the activity is regulated under KCC 15.08 (Zoning) which prohibits commercial retail in residential zones except for limited occasional sales. Typical enforcement practice permits up to 3 garage or yard sales per household per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days, to remain classified as a non-commercial activity. Sales must occur on private property (garage, driveway, or front yard) and cannot extend into the public right-of-way or block sidewalks under KCC 6.07. Parking by shoppers must comply with city parking rules including no blocking driveways, hydrants, or no-parking zones. All unsold items, tables, clothing racks, and signs must be removed from the yard within 24 hours of the sale ending; leaving items outside longer can trigger a property maintenance citation under KCC 8.01 as a nuisance. Washington state sales tax generally does not apply to casual sales of used household items, but recurring or large-scale sales that look like a retail business may require a Kent business license and state UBI. Contact Kent Code Enforcement at 253-856-5270 for questions.