Ankeny, IA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Ankeny Code of Ordinances Chapter 132 exists to protect residents against fraud, unfair competition and intrusion into the privacy of their homes (§ 132.01). Section 132.03 makes engaging in peddling, soliciting, or transient merchandising without a license a chapter violation; licenses cannot be transferred and are issued for one day, one week, one month, or one to six consecutive months, with fees set by Council-approved schedule. The § 132.04 application must go to the City Clerk in writing and include the applicant's name, contact and employer information, the applicant's last three peddling/soliciting jobs, any vehicle used with plate and insurance proof, a photo ID, requested dates, and a non-refundable fee; transient merchants must also post a bond under Iowa Code Chapter 9C (§ 132.05).

Every applicant undergoes an Ankeny Police Department background check, and a license is denied if the applicant has a misdemeanor conviction in the past 2 years, any felony charge in the past 5 years, a felony conviction in the past 10 years, or certain forcible felonies ever (§ 132.04(2)). A denied applicant may appeal to the City Council within 7 days (§ 132.04(3)) but is barred from reapplying for one year. The City Clerk may revoke a license on clear and convincing evidence of a substantial violation (§ 132.13), with a further appeal right to the Council (§ 132.14) and a one-year reapplication bar after revocation (§ 132.15).

Peddlers selling from the street must limit sales to between 9:00 a.m. and one hour before sundown from an off-street parking area, with a yellow or amber oscillating light on the vehicle (§ 132.18).