Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)

Chapter 77, Peddling and Soliciting, was amended in its entirety 12-28-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-2012-040 and again 12-28-15 by Ord. No. O-12-2015-026. Section 77-2 defines MERCHANDISE to include goods, wares, food, meat, fish, ice cream, fruit, vegetables and farm products, so a food vendor is covered by the same rules as any other seller. A PEDDLER is any person, resident of the Township or not, who goes from house to house, from place to place or from street to street, by foot, automotive vehicle or any other conveyance, carrying merchandise to sell and deliver to customers. The definition adds that the word peddler includes hawker and huckster. The SOLICITOR definition reaches anyone who takes or attempts to take orders for merchandise or services of any kind from a stationary location on any street or other public place.

Because of those definitions, a person selling food from a cart, vehicle or stand on a Monroe street or public place falls within Chapter 77 and needs the solicitation permit required by § 77-3 for commercial selling, with a badge for each individual under § 77-7 and fees set in Chapter 39. The Chief of Police runs the background check under § 77-5.

Section 77-11.D exempts any person selling fruits and farm products grown by himself, with or without the help of others, from payment of the fee, on compliance with all other provisions of the chapter and submission of documents supporting the claim.

Chapter 72, Outdoor Commercial Displays and Sales, covers sidewalk and parking lot sales run from commercial premises, including agricultural products defined as fruits, vegetables and farm products such as meat, poultry, butter and eggs. Under § 72-2 the operator needs a permit from the Township Clerk, applies at least 20 days ahead, receives a permit lasting no longer than 10 calendar days, and can hold no more than two outdoor commercial sales in one calendar year.