Yonkers's Soliciting & Door-to-Door: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Yonkers, New York, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Solicitor Permits

Commercial solicitors in Yonkers must obtain a Solicitor/Peddler License from the City Clerk under Yonkers Code Chapter 50. Background check, ID badge, and license fee required. Hours limited to 9 AM to sunset.

Key details: License: Required. Background: Check required. Hours: 9 AM to sunset. Fine: $250-$500. Exempt: Political, religious, charity.

Unlicensed soliciting: $250-$500 fine and possible revocation of future permits.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yonkers actively enforces its solicitor permits requirements.

No-Knock Registry

Yonkers residents may post "No Soliciting" signs; solicitors must honor them under Yonkers Code Chapter 50. The city maintains a Do Not Knock Registry for residents who opt out.

Key details: Sign: Must be honored. Registry: Yes, City Clerk. Code: Yonkers Ch. 50. Exempt: Political, religious.

The Bottom Line

Yonkers's soliciting & door-to-door rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Yonkers is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Yonkers can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.