Ann Arbor, MI Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Before any soliciting or peddling
- Apply
- At least 72 hrs in advance
- License term
- 6 months (May-Oct or Nov-Apr)
- Food vendors
- Need County Health cert
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Ann Arbor requires anyone soliciting or peddling door-to-door to obtain a city license first, per Chapter 79, with applications filed at least 72 hours before a license can issue.
It shall be unlawful for any solicitor or peddler as defined in section 7:62 of this chapter to engage in such business within the corporate limits of the City of Ann Arbor without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 44-75, 2-17-76)
7:62. - Definitions. (1)Solicitor. A solicitor is any person traveling either by foot, motor vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place seeking to obtain orders for the purchase of goods or services for future delivery or performance.(2)Peddler. A peddler is any person, who travels by foot, motor vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place, selling or offering for sale goods or services.(3)Travel from place to place. Travel from place to place means progressing from 1 street address to another street address and not returning within a 2-hour period to any such address to solicit or peddle. (Ord. No. 44-75, 2-17-76; Ord. No. 64-80, 10-6-80; Ord. No. 61-95, § 1, 2-5-96)
7:63. - Application. At least 72 hours before a license can be issued, application for a license under this chapter must be filed with the city on a form available in the Building Department, providing the following information:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 79 of Ann Arbor's code makes it unlawful for a solicitor or peddler to do business in the city without first securing a license. Applicants file at least 72 hours ahead with photo, ID, employer, and residence details, and licenses run for six-month stretches, May 1-Oct 31 or Nov 1-Apr 30. Food or product vendors need County Health Officer certification before a license issues, and license fees drop 75% for solicitors under 14 earning less than $100. Violating the licensing requirement is punishable by up to $500 in fines or 90 days in jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Up to $500 fine or 90 days imprisonment, or both, for operating without a required solicitor or peddler license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ann Arbor require a permit for door-to-door sales?
Is anyone exempt from Ann Arbor's peddler license requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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