Madison permits residential garage and rummage sales without a permit. Sales are limited in frequency and duration. Signs must follow MGO Chapter 31 sign rules and be removed promptly after the sale ends.
Madison does not require a permit for occasional residential garage, yard, or rummage sales. Sales are intended as the occasional disposal of personal household items, not ongoing retail activity. Customary practice limits each household to a small number of sales per year, typically three or fewer, with each sale lasting no more than three consecutive days. Ongoing or frequent sales may be deemed a home business requiring zoning compliance under MGO Chapter 28. Sales hours should follow reasonable daytime hours to avoid noise complaints. Signs advertising the sale must comply with MGO Chapter 31, including prohibitions on placement in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs, and must be removed within 24 hours of the sale ending.
Excessive frequency, unpermitted home retail activity, or non-compliant signage may result in zoning or sign code citations.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's garage sale rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.