Newton allows temporary garage sale signs on private property during the sale. Signs on public property, utility poles, or tree belts are prohibited and removed by DPW.
Residents hosting garage, yard, or tag sales may post temporary directional and advertising signs on their own private property and, with permission, on neighbors' private property. Signs are limited to approximately 4 square feet and may be posted no earlier than 24 hours before the sale begins. All signs must be removed within 24 hours of the end of the sale - abandoned signs are a common violation. Placement on public property is prohibited, including tree belts, sidewalks, street signs, utility poles, street light poles, traffic signs, and trees in the public way. DPW routinely removes abandoned and illegal signs on Monday mornings, and repeat offenders may face fines of 50 to 100 dollars per sign. Paper signs stapled to utility poles also violate MGL c.166 s.42A (utility pole attachment). Consider using digital platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist instead of physical signage for advertising your sale.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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