An individual does not require a development permit or business licence to host a garage sale provided the individual is selling their own personal effects or household items on an occasional basis, with the following criteria being met:
- The garage sale is not being hosted by a corporation or other business organization
- The garage sale will not exceed three (3) consecutive days
- No more than three (3) garage sales are hosted at the same municipal address within the same calendar year; and
- The goods being sold at a garage sale were not purchased or acquired for resale purposes
For information on licence requirements for selling second-hand goods, please refer to the Second-Hand Dealer business licence category.
Garage sales hosted by individuals that don’t meet the above exemption criteria will require a business licence. The type of business licence required depends on the location, frequency, and type of goods sold at the garage sale. For more information, please contact the City’s business licensing team at businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca or call 311.
If you are found operating a garage sale that does not meet the above criteria and do not obtain a valid business licence, a penalty fine of $500 may be issued. If the infraction continues, escalating fines and/or other enforcement action may be initiated.