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.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
See how Pawtucket's garage sale rules rules stack up against other locations.
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