Garage Sale Permits
Garage sales are limited to 3 consecutive days between 9:00am and sunset. The permits are free and must be displayed during the sale period. Each household is entitled to 2 permits each year. Fill out the form completely, sign, enclose proof of residency and bring in to the 47th Ward Public Service Office at 4237 North Lincoln Avenue. This information can also be faxed to 773-348-8480.
Please click below to download an Application in Adobe Acrobat Format.
The Permit Process
As of October 1, 1996, a permit is needed for all garage sales, yard sales, apartment sales and similar occasional sales of household goods that are conducted on residential property within the City of Chicago.
This action was taken by the Chicago City Council to eliminate the many sales operating week after week after week that actually were unlicensed retail operations. Issued by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, these permits are free and must be displayed during the sale period. Each household is entitled to two permits each year, with a third sale authorized only if the occupants are moving permanently from their residence.
If more than one household is joining in a single sale, each household needs its own permit even if the sale is at the address of only one participating household. The ordinance also prohibits any signs advertising these sales on light poles or other property except at the site of the sale itself.
These sales are limited to three consecutive days between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset. In case of rain, the sale can be held during the next three days after the permit period, but is still limited to three total days.
Violators face fines ranging from $50 to $500, with each day representing a separate offense.
Charitable organizations, churches and schools are exempt from the ordinance. To get your permit, complete the attached application form and mail it at least two weeks prior to the starting date.