Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Chesapeake must obtain a solicitor or peddler permit from the Commissioner of the Revenue and a business license. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is protected speech and does not require a commercial permit, though registration may still apply.
Under City Code provisions governing peddlers, solicitors, and itinerant merchants, commercial door-to-door sellers must apply for a permit, undergo a background check, pay a fee, and carry city-issued identification when soliciting. Permits are issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue and may be denied for applicants with certain criminal convictions. Permitted solicitation hours are generally 9 AM to sunset or 8 PM, whichever is earlier. Religious, political, and nonprofit charitable canvassers are protected under Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002) and cannot be required to obtain a commercial permit, though some cities require a no-fee registration for identification purposes. All solicitors must honor No Solicitation signs; ignoring them is a trespass violation.
Unpermitted commercial solicitation: Class 4 misdemeanor and business license penalty. Ignoring No Solicitation sign: trespass, up to 250 dollars.
Chesapeake, VA
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