Colonie, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 140 of the Colonie Town Code, rewritten in its entirety by Local Law No. 2-2026 effective April 30, 2026, defines a "Peddler" broadly as anyone "traveling by foot, wagon, automotive vehicle, or any other type of conveyance" who sells or solicits orders for goods, services, wares or farm products, a term that "shall include the words 'hawker' and 'huckster'" (§ 140-2). within the limits of the Town of Colonie (outside the Villages of Colonie and Menands)," with a non-refundable application fee paid to the Town Clerk.

Section 140-4(A) requires the sworn, written application to be filed in duplicate on a Town Clerk form. Section 140-5(A) subjects every applicant to a background check; if the Town Clerk finds the applicant's "character or business responsibility" unsatisfactory, the permit is denied outright and the reasons endorsed on the application. on the front of his or her hat or outer garment" while peddling and the vehicle card attached to the vehicle used. Section 140-6 exempts farmers and gardeners selling their own produce, wholesalers selling to established Town merchants, solicitors acting on prior invitation or to existing customers, and minors under 18 doing jobs like snow shoveling, lawn care or lemonade stands.

A permit can be suspended or revoked by the Town Clerk, the Colonie Police Department or a Code Enforcement Officer after notice and a hearing under § 140-10, and a denied or revoked permit can be appealed in writing to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 15 business days under § 140-11(B).