Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 5.49 Yard Sales

The City Council finds and declares that the City of Riverside has a substantial interest in preserving and maintaining the aesthetics and tranquility of neighborhoods, including traffic flow through the neighborhoods. These regulations directly advance the City's interest in preserving the residential character of its neighborhoods.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

For the purposes of this chapter, "yard sale" means the sale of personal property owned or maintained by occupants of the premises in, at, or upon any residentially zoned or residentially occupied property. Yard sales shall include, but not be limited to, any garage sale, multi-family sale, home sale, patio sale, or any other sale similarly conducted on any residentially zoned or residentially occupied property. "Estate sale" is defined as a sale performed or managed by a third party who is experienced in conducting such sales and who maintains a current City Business Tax Certificate as an estate sale business.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

It is unlawful for any person to sell or participate in the sale of personal property to the general public by means of a yard sale on any residentially zoned or residentially occupied property except as permitted by this chapter.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to sales conducted pursuant to process or order of any court of competent jurisdiction.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

No business tax as provided for in Chapter 5.04 shall be required for any yard sale lawfully conducted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

Not more than four yard sales may be conducted by any person upon a lot within any one calendar year. Sub-divided parcels that include separate addresses are allowed four yard sales per calendar per separate address. Yard sale operations are limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may only occur on Friday through Sunday. A single yard sale may be up to three consecutive days long (Fri.-Sun.).

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

All personal property to be sold shall be arranged so that fire, police, health and other officials may have access for inspection at all times during the sale. Personal property offered for sale shall not be displayed or stored on adjoining public sidewalks or streets or rights-of-way. Only personal property owned and/or maintained by the sellers may be offered for sale. New merchandise or items acquired or produced for resale or consignment are prohibited. No person shall lease, sub-lease, rent or otherwise charge a fee to a third party for the sole purpose of displaying and selling personal property on their lot or parcel, nor shall a third party lease, sub-lease or rent a parcel for this purpose.

(Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)

All signs advertising yard sales shall conform to the City's Sign regulations as set forth in Chapters 19.620 and 19.625 of this Code.

(Ord. 7757, § 102, 2026; Ord. 7313 § 2, 2016; Ord. 7033 § 1, 2009; Ord. 5258 § 4, 1985; Ord. 4067 § 1 (part), 1973)