Columbia, SC Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Columbia treats garage-sale signage as part of a tightly scripted permit system under Code of Ordinances Chapter 11, Division 2. 50, valid for a maximum of two consecutive days (never a Sunday), and capped at two permits per year for any one family unit, location, lot, or premises. The permit itself must be posted at the site of the sale. Section 11-315 then narrows the signage itself: only one non-illuminated sign, no larger than two square feet, may be posted to advertise the sale, and it can only go on the property where the sale is actually taking place, not on a neighbor's yard, a utility pole, or a public right-of-way.

Section 11-319 reinforces the placement limit by barring any goods or signage from public property and from blocking pedestrian or vehicular sight lines. , with no Sunday sales, no public address systems, and no alcohol served on or near the premises. City inspectors and their representatives have a right of entry under section 11-320 to any premises showing evidence of a garage sale and can close down a sale that is out of compliance with any of these rules, sign included.