Frequently Asked Questions

Peddler

A person who goes from house-to-house, door-to-door, business-to-business, street-to-street, or any other type of place-to-place movement, for the purpose of offering for sale, displaying, or exposing for sale, selling or attempting to sell, and delivering immediately upon sale, the goods, wares, products, merchandise, or other personal property that the person is carrying or otherwise transporting. The term peddler shall have the same common meaning as the term hawker.

Solicitor

A person who goes from house to house, door-to-door, business-to-business, street-to-street, or any other type of place-to-place movement, for the purpose of obtaining or attempting to obtain orders for goods, wares, products, merchandise, other personal property, or services of which he or she may be carrying or transporting samples, or that may be described in a catalog or by other means, and for which delivery or performance shall occur at a later time. The absence of samples or catalogs shall not remove a person from the scope of this provision if the activity is to obtain or attempt to obtain orders as described above. The definition for solicitor shall also be the definition for canvasser.

Transient Merchant

A person who temporarily sets up business out of a vehicle, trailer, boxcar, tent, or other portable shelter, or empty storefront for the purpose of exposing or displaying for sale, selling, or attempting to sell, and delivering, goods, wares, products, merchandise or other personal property and who does not remain in any one location for more than 14 consecutive days. The term transient merchant shall mean the same as temporary merchant or temporary vendor and shall exclude food trucks and mobile food units.

Please note: If the seller is putting flyers on the doors or in paper boxes and not making contact with residents, a permit is not needed.

Non-Profit Groups

No license is needed, but the Police Department does need a list of vehicles being used and their license plate numbers.

A license is required if a public street is being blocked off. If someone is having a party with a band outside but not closing off a street, a permit may be suggested because of noise, depending on the number of people expected and hours. All events are to be shut down by 11 pm. No money can be exchanged for alcohol.

Peddlers / Solicitors / Transient Merchants

$100 per person for one calendar year.

Non-Profit Groups

No license is needed, but the Police Department does need a list of vehicles being used and their license plate numbers.

All licenses expire on December 31 of the current calendar year.

Per City Code 3-18-3 Licensing, C) Application

An application for a city license to conduct business as a peddler, solicitor, or transient merchant shall be made at least ten regular business days before the applicant desires to begin conducting a business operation within the city.

No insurance is required.