Stockton allows residential garage and yard sales without a permit. Sales are considered an occasional residential activity. The city does not impose strict frequency limits but sales that become regular or commercial in nature may be subject to business license requirements. Sellers must keep the property clean during and after the sale and comply with temporary sign regulations.
Stockton 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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