Toledo, OH Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

TMC § 1726.08(f) creates a narrow exception to Toledo's general prohibitions on unauthorized signage. Ordinarily, § 963.19 bars posting "any notice, poster or other paper or device, calculated to attract the attention of the public upon any public place or private premises, except as may be authorized or required by law," and § 1393.07 separately restricts signs under the Zoning Code. Section 1726.08(f) carves those two sections back for signs "calling attention to a real estate agent's 'open house,' a residential garage sale, yard sale or private party or event" placed "along any street or boulevard in the public right of way", but only if the sign is in place for less than seventy-two (72) hours and is removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the event ending.

The exception is explicit that it "shall not permit the posting of signs that are otherwise prohibited on public utility poles," so a garage-sale sign stapled or wired to a utility pole is still unlawful even inside the time window. Because § 1726.08(f) is only an exemption, a sign that overstays the 72-hour placement limit or is not removed within 24 hours after the sale reverts to being a straight § 963.19 or § 1393.07 violation, enforceable like any other unauthorized right-of-way sign. Section 963.99(d) sets the general Chapter 963 penalty, a misdemeanor of the second degree, with every day the sign remains posted counting as a separate offense, for litter and posting violations, including § 963.19, that carry no penalty of their own.