San Bernardino County, CA Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules (2026)

Garage and yard sales in the unincorporated County are governed by the San Bernardino County Development Code (Title 8) Chapter 84.25, Temporary Structures and Uses. Under Section 84.25.030 (Exempt Temporary Structures and Uses), garage sales are treated as an exempt temporary use, meaning they do not require a Temporary Use Permit when held within the stated limits. The Code limits garage sales to no more than four per year, with each sale not exceeding three consecutive days. For multi-family dwellings, a maximum of two garage sales per calendar year per legal dwelling unit is allowed. Because the sale is a residential temporary use, it should remain accessory to the home and not create a continuous retail operation or persistent signage and blight. Exceeding the frequency or duration limits, or running a de facto ongoing sales business, can move the activity outside the exemption and into a code violation. These limits apply only to the unincorporated areas; incorporated cities in San Bernardino County set their own yard-sale rules and permit requirements, which often differ (some cities cap sales at two per year or require a permit). Always confirm the parcel is in the unincorporated County before relying on these limits.