DC restricts garage and yard sale signs in the public right-of-way. Signs may be posted on private property without a permit, but attaching signs to lampposts, traffic signs, trees, or tree boxes violates DCMR 24-108 and the District's Tree Preservation rules. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of the sale ending.
Garage sale signs in DC are regulated like all temporary non-commercial signs under DCMR Title 24 Chapter 1 (Public Space Use) and DCMR Title 11 (Zoning). On private residential property within the public view, one temporary sign per sale not exceeding 4 square feet is allowed. Signs posted on lampposts in the public right-of-way must follow DCMR 24-108: no adhesive, zip ties only, one sign per pole, and removal within 24 hours of the event. Attaching any sign to a District-owned tree, tree box, or traffic control device is prohibited. Signs on private fences or in yards are generally unrestricted for the brief sale duration. Some historic districts (Georgetown, Capitol Hill) have additional design guidelines. DPW Neighborhood Services conducts sweeps and removes expired or illegally placed signs, typically charging a $75 civil infraction to the contact person listed on the sign. Garage sales themselves may require a Vendor License if held more than three times per year.
Sign on utility pole with adhesive or nails: $100 civil infraction per sign plus removal. Sign on District tree or traffic sign: $150 fine under DCMR 24-108. Failure to remove after sale: $75 per day. Repeat offenders: Vendor License review.
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