Spokane permits residential garage sales without a permit, limited to 3 sales per calendar year per residence lasting no more than 3 consecutive days each, under SMC 10.08 general nuisance standards.
Garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales are considered accessory residential uses in Spokane and require no permit or fee. Consistent with common practice across Washington, the city limits the frequency to three sales per household per calendar year, each running no more than three consecutive days, typically daylight hours only. Sales must occur on the resident's property, not in the public right-of-way. Items offered must be the household's own used goods, not new retail merchandise or commercial inventory, which would trigger home-business zoning requirements. Sellers must not obstruct sidewalks or create parking hazards on narrow streets. Tax-wise, occasional personal-property sales do not trigger Washington B&O tax, but selling more than a few times per year or purchasing for resale crosses into taxable retail. Signage is separately regulated under the sign code.
Exceeding sale limits triggers business licensing requirement; $100-$250 if operated as unlicensed retail.
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See how Spokane's garage sale rules rules stack up against other locations.
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