Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to have a permit to conduct a Garage Sale?
A: Yes. Permits may be purchased at the Skokie Police Department. The fee for a garage sale permit is $1.00. No garage sale shall be allowed until a permit for such sale is granted.
Q: What minimum information must I provide on the application to obtain a garage sale permit?
A: A garage sale permit shall include:
- The name & address of the permittee.
- Date(s) of the garage sale
- Permittee’s signature certifying that, if a permit is granted, the permittee will abide by all applicable codes included in the Garage Sale Ordinance of the Village of Skokie, which are further outlined in the next several "frequently asked" questions.
- A statement that all goods and furnishings to be sold are in the possession and title of the permittee and meet the conditions set forth following the frequently asked questions.
- On the dates of the garage sale, the approved permit shall be prominently displayed in such a way that it is visible from the street at the location of the sale.
Q: Can I advertise my garage sale with signs, flags or banners?
A: No flags, banners or buntings shall be displayed in connection with the conduct of any garage sale. Signs, however, are permitted subject to the following:
- No signs or advertisement indicating the address, location or direction of a garage sale shall be allowed upon any tree, shrub or pole located in any street, parkway or other public place; nor shall any sign be allowed on any property other than the property wherein the garage sale is to take place.
- On the day(s) of the sale, signs as permitted by this section may be displayed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. from April 1st through October 31st and from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. November 1st through March 31st.
- Signs must be removed by permittee by the end of the last day of the sale within the time prescribed.
- Each sign must state "Garage Sale" with an attached adhesive label or other means of identifying the name and address of the person responsible for the placement and removal of the sign. The address and name must be consistent with where the garage sale is scheduled to occur.
- Signs must be free standing and shall not exceed four square feet.
Q: Can I display household goods or furnishings for sale in the front yard or public property or right-of-way?
A: Yes, items may be displayed or offered for sale at a garage sale in any portion of the front yard, including the driveway. However, no good shall be displayed on any public right-of way.
Q: What can happen if I violate the provisions of the Skokie Village Code?
A: Please note that if residents are found to be in violation of provisions of the Garage Sale Ordinance, the following citations may occur:
- Issuance of a local ordinance citation(s) that typically may be subject to fines that range between $50 and $750.
- Record of the offense(s) in the Village’s Garage Sale Permit information computer database.
Garage sales must have a Village permit. Residents are allowed to hole one garage sale per calendar year, not to exceed three consecutive days. Items sold must be limited to household goods/furnishings used in the same dwelling where the garage sale is being held or in multiple dwelling units on the same block (block garage sale). No signage allowed except on property where the garage sale is being held. Goods may be displayed or offered for sale at a garage sale in any portion of the font yard, including the driveway. However, no good shall be displayed on any public right away.
The term "Garage Sale" is defined as a garage sale, patio sale, basement sale, backyard sale or any similar type sale of three or more household items, that is held on residential premises and to which the general public is invited.
[About This Site] [Back to Home] [Site Map] [Search]