Solicitor Permit Ordinance

At a glance

What: Ordinance 2026-19 adds Chapter 123 requiring permits for solicitors, canvassers and peddlers selling goods door to door.
Where it stands: Passed second reading 5-2 on August 10, 2026, as amended. Mayor Talbert and Councilman O'Shields opposed.
Effective date: the later of final reading or January 1, 2027, because the permit fee must be added to the City's fee schedule through a public hearing and budget amendment.

A suggested fee of $150 per individual covers the permit, background check and ID card for one year. Business license rules are separate.
Aimed at sales of goods, not political canvassing or government donation drives such as first responders at intersections.
Fine of up to $500 plus court costs and assessments. Enforcement falls on the individual present in the City.
Council discussed whether youth and nonprofit groups should be exempt from the fee or from the permit.
Councilman Alexander's amendment (passed 5-2): plural "fees," background check wording, "government-issued" identification, spelling out "five hundred dollars," and the delayed effective date.

Amendment and ordinance each passed 5-2.

Detailed discussion of fees, background checks, exemptions and enforcement.