Summer is just around the corner, which means garage sale season will be in full swing.

Because the St. Charles’ Building & Code Enforcement Division receives so many calls regarding the rules and regulations for garage sales, the city is reminding residents of a few ordinances to keep in mind when planning garage sales.

Residents of other municipalities in Kane County should also check out their communities’ garage-sale ordinances and regulations before holding a sale. You can find links to your city’s or village’s website by visiting the Communities Page of the Kane County website.

While dach community has its own rules, of course, there are some general practices that are fairly consistent throughout Kane County municipalities. Here are the rules of thumb in St. Charles:

No Permits Needed

The city does not require a permit for garage sales. According to the ordinance, Title 17.20.050, which is based off the state of Illinois regulations, no more than two garage sales can be conducted at the same address within a 12-month period. Each sale cannot be longer than three days.

Garage Sale Signage

Code requirements for garage sale signs can be found under Title 17.28.090 in the city’s code. Signs are not to be placed on any public property, such as parkways, utility poles, street intersections, etc. The city can without notice remove any sign located on public property.

The only permissible locations for signs on private property are in the yard of the sale and/or in a neighbor’s yard with their permission. Garage sale signs can be posted up to 48 hours prior to the start of the sale and must be removed no later than 24 hours after the sale is complete.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact the Building and Code Enforcement Division at 630.377.4406 or bceadm@stcharlesil.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

About the City of St. Charles

City of St. Charles Mission: Heritage. Community. Service. Opportunity. Friendly neighborhoods, unique architecture, beautiful parks, cultural amenities and innovative schools have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. Over 2,100 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine. www.stcharlesil.gov