Chicago prohibits advertising garage sales with signs posted anywhere except on the property where the sale takes place. Under MCC 10-8-320, posting signs on city property (light poles, bus stops, etc.) is illegal.
Chicago strictly limits garage sale advertising under MCC 10-8-320 and the garage sale permit ordinance. Signs advertising sales may only be displayed on the property where the sale is being held. Posting signs on any city property including light poles, traffic signals, bus stops, utility poles, or trees in the public way is prohibited. Display items must remain within property lines per MCC 10-8-405. This applies to garage sales, yard sales, and apartment sales. Online advertising and printed flyers distributed by hand are alternative advertising methods not restricted by the sign ordinance.
Posting signs on city property carries fines of $50 to $500 per sign. Each sign constitutes a separate offense. The city may remove illegally posted signs without notice.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle garage sale signs.
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