Philadelphia does not have specific garage sale or yard sale regulations in its code. The Department of Licenses and Inspections has indicated that occasional yard sales do not require a permit. Frequent or regular sales may require a commercial activity license under Chapter 9-200. Sidewalk sales require an L&I license under §9-205.
Philadelphia property maintenance code applies to garage and yard sales to prevent blight conditions. Merchandise must be displayed in an organized manner, not scattered across the yard. Tables, racks, and display items must be removed or stored out of public view by the end of sale hours each day. Unsold items cannot be left at the curb or in the front yard between sale days or after the sale concludes. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of the sale ending. Properties that develop a pattern of visible clutter may receive blight citations.
Items left out after sale: $50 to $200 blight citation. Signs not removed: $25 to $50. Habitual violations: escalating fines.
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