Chicopee, MA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chicopee Code § 188-17(D) governs door-to-door sales in the City of Chicopee. The ordinance defines door-to-door sales as the in-person solicitation of sales of goods or services for present or future delivery by entry upon residential property, or by soliciting a person on residential property from a street, sidewalk or adjacent property, without prior invitation. The definition expressly includes charitable and non-profit organizations, so a fundraising canvasser is covered.

The license comes from the Chief of Police or a designee, not the City Council. Each salesperson submits an application signed under the penalties of perjury, and D(2)(a) states that no fee is required for applications made under Subsection D. The Chicopee Police Department runs a criminal record check of each applicant aged 15 or older to judge fitness and suitability. A person supervising a group under age 15 goes through the check and is issued a group number used by the group members. The Chief can grant a license to a person of good repute for morals and integrity who is a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident.

A license carries the date it was issued and continues for one year from that date unless the Chief revokes it sooner. Subsection G(6) adds a registration step: the applicant registers in the Police Department's registration book with name and address, the person or organization represented, two references on moral character, honesty and integrity, and the kind of goods being sold, and furnishes fingerprints and thumb prints and a two-inch by two-inch head-and-shoulders photograph taken within 60 days before registration. The registrant also states any criminal convictions. Licenses cannot be assigned or transferred under G(8).

While soliciting, a person must carry the license and display it on demand of any police officer and on demand of any person being solicited under G(7). The Chief can revoke a license after notice and hearing for fraud or false statements, any violation of the article, conviction of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude, or conducting the soliciting in a way that is a breach of the peace or a menace to public health, safety or welfare. Notice of the hearing goes by mail at least five days before the hearing date.