Erie, PA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Erie's peddler and solicitor framework lives in Part 3, Title One of the Codified Ordinances. Article 313 defines 'peddler' broadly as 'any person traveling by foot, wagon, motor vehicle or any other type of conveyance, from place to place offering and exposing goods, merchandise, food or beverages for sale,' and 'sidewalk vendor' as one selling or offering for sale on public streets or sidewalks from a stand, motor vehicle, or person. Section 313.02 makes it unlawful to engage in either business 'within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining a license therefor.' Section 313.03 requires a sworn application identifying the applicant, the nature of the business, and the goods to be sold, plus minimum insurance coverage (recently amended upward) and an application fee. Farmers selling their own produce and persons soliciting for nonprofit / charitable organizations are exempt from the fee but must still comply with all other provisions. Door-to-door solicitation for political and religious purposes is constitutionally protected under Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York v. Village of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150 (2002), which struck down a permit-required regime for noncommercial canvassing, so Erie's article cannot constitutionally be applied to those activities to require a paid permit. Commercial solicitors knocking on residential doors must observe any 'No Soliciting' signs posted by the homeowner; ignoring such signs can be cited as disorderly conduct under Article 705 and potentially as criminal trespass under 18 Pa.C.S. Section 3503. Sidewalk vendors are also subject to City zoning constraints on where they may set up (no obstruction of pedestrian flow, ADA clearance maintained).