How to Have a Garage Sale

If you are planning to have a garage or yard sale, this information will answer your questions about the City of Springfield's ordinance and guidelines. You may register online or call the City of Springfield Finance Department Licensing Division at 864-1617.

Q: Do I need to contact anyone before I have a garage sale?
A: Yes, you should contact the Finance Department of the City of Springfield before you have a garage sale. Register online or call 864-1617 to talk with the Licensing Division and they will register your garage sale. Calling as late as the day of the garage sale is fine, just make sure that you call before the garage sale begins.

Q: Will there be a fee if I register my garage sale?
A: No, there is not a fee to register your garage sale.

Q: What can I sell at my garage sale?
A: You may legally sell your own items at your own garage sale. You should sell only used, accumulated items, not items purchased for resale.

Q: How often can I have a garage sale?
A: You may have two garage sales within a 12 month period. Each of the garage sales may last three days.

Q: How can I advertise my garage sale?
A: Garage sale signs may be placed in your yard or in your neighbor's yard (with his/her agreement), but they should never be placed in the City's right-of-way (on street signs, utility poles, between the sidewalk and the curb and so on). Also, no garage sale signs should look like traffic signs. Garage sale signs may be purchased at several locations throughout Springfield. A listing of garage sales can be found online.

Q: Why are there guidelines for a garage sale?
A: The City of Springfield passed an ordinance for garage and yard sales for the benefit of the citizens. The main concern is when neighborhood problems arise because of garage sales. Another major concern is that of resale. The ordinance clearly states that a garage sale may not be used to sell items purchased for resale.

Q: What about charitable organizations?
A: Charitable organizations that would like to have a garage sale must call the Licensing Division at 864-1617 to receive an application. All of the same guidelines apply, except regarding what may be sold at the garage sale.

Q: What else do I need to know before I have a garage sale?
A: You should know that parking is a factor when you have a garage sale:

• If you live in a neighborhood parking district (such as Phelps Grove or Rountree), call 864-1970 at least 7 days in advance of the sale so the City of Springfieldís Traffic Engineer may notify the Police of the date and times of the garage sale.
• Customers should park in designated driveways only, being careful not to block driveways or fire plugs.
• A minimum of one 12 foot driving lane should be available on the street to allow for emergency access.