Village regulations limit to two the number of garage
sales that may be held by members of one residence and/or family during
any calendar year. A garage sale is considered a general sale, open to
the public, that is conducted from a residential premise for the purpose
of disposing of personal property and not merchandise purchased for resale
or on consignment.
Hours of operation are limited to the daylight hours
of up to three consecutive days. Sale goods may be displayed only within
a garage, residence, carport and/or rear yard except when a neighborhood
sale is held. A sign advertising a sale may be displayed only on the property
of the residence where the sale is held, and only during the time the
sale is in progress. The sign may not be larger than eight square feet
in surface area, and may not be displayed on any public property including
light poles, sign posts or on or above the public parkways and sidewalks.
The individual conducting the sale and owner or tenant of the premises
is responsible for maintaining order at the sale site and may be subject
to penalty for any violations of garage sale rules.
What constitutes a garage sale?
A garage sale is a general sale open to the public conducted from a residence for the purpose of disposing of personal property.
What may be sold at a garage sale?
Only personal property may be sold at a garage sale.
What is personal property?
Personal property is defined by law as those items owned, used and maintained by members of the residence. It does not include merchandise purchased for resale or obtained on consignment.
Are there any limitations on the number of garage sales one may hold?
Yes. No more than two sales may be held at any one address during a single calendar year. However, members of more than one residence may join in a garage sale.
May my entire block hold a garage sale at the same time?
Yes. However, when members of more than one residence join in a sale, the event will be counted as a sale for each participating resident.
What are the limits on the hours and duration of a garage sale?
Sales may be conducted only during daylight hours and for no more than three consecutive days.
How may I display the items I am selling?
Items for sale may be displayed within the residence, in a garage, carport and/or rear yard. Do not display items for sale in the front or side yard.
What about block sales?
Block sales have different rules and benefits. Neighbors will start by picking up an application form at the Office of the Village Clerk. The advantage of a block sale is that both front and side yards may be used to display items for sale.
May I post garage sales signs on the parkways to attract shoppers?
No. Posting a private sign on public parkways, trees or utility poles is illegal.
How should I display a garage sale sign?
A sign advertising a garage sale may be displayed only on the property of the residence where the garage sale is being conducted and during the time the sale is in progress. A sign may not exceed eight square feet.
What about parking?
Individuals coming to your garage sale must comply with all Village parking rules and regulations. The Oak Park Police Department also may enforce temporary traffic and parking controls to ease any hazards or congestion created by a garage sale.
Who should I contact for more information?
For more information on garage sales in Oak Park, or to request a block garage sale application, contact the Office of the Village Clerk at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302, via e-mail mail to clerk@oak-park.us or by calling 708.358.5670.
