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1. Do I need to have a permit to conduct a garage or yard sale?

Yes.  Permits may be purchased at City Hall (2220 Magnolia Street) for $5.00.  No garage or yard sale will be allowed until a permit is granted.

2. How do I apply for a Garage Sale Permit?

Go to the City’s Utilities Department (2220 Magnolia Street) to apply.  The cost is $5.00.

3. What minimum information must I provide on the application to obtain a garage/yard sale permit?

A garage/yard sale permit application will need the following information:

1. The name and address of the person holding the garage/yard sale.
2. The date or dates of the garage/yard sale.
3. The signature of the person holding the garage/yard sale to certify that, if the permit is granted, they will abide by all of the applicable codes included in the Ceres Municipal Ordinance found in Title 5, Chapter 30.
4. A general list of the items being sold.

4. Do I need to display the permit during the garage/yard sale?

Yes.  Please post prominently at the location of the sale.

5. Can I advertise my garage/yard sale with signs, flags or banners?

You may only display a sign at the location of the sale and only on the dates and times stated on the permit.

6. What can happen if I don't have a permit when I hold my sale?

You may receive a citation and be subject to a fine of up to $550.00.

7. How many garage/yard sales can I have each year?

Ceres Municipal Code 5.18.030(3): No more than two garage sales shall be conducted at any residential unit within the City during a 12-month period by the persons permitted to conduct such sales pursuant to this section. The 12-month period shall commence on the date of the first garage sale.

Ceres Municipal Code 5.18.060(B): The City shall issue no more than one permit to an individual in a four-month period. 

8. Why do I need a permit to sell on my own property?

In the late 1990's the City of Ceres passed an ordinance governing garage/yard sales for all properties in the City of Ceres.  The ordinance requires the purchase of a permit for a garage/yard sale.  This ordinance is found in Title 5, Chapter 30 of the City of Ceres Municipal Code.  This ordinance was enacted in response to complaints about neighbors turning their yards into markets every weekend.