Kingsport, TN Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 70 of the Kingsport Code splits into two rules. Sec. 70-1 covers solicitors taking subscriptions or orders for future delivery of periodicals or goods: no one may collect or receive payment in advance of delivery unless he first makes a cash or other approved bond in the sum of $100.00, files it with the city recorder and obtains a certificate evidencing approval of the bond. That section prints a bond and certificate, not a permit fee. Article II covers street vendors. Within fire district No.

1, selling food, beverage, goods or merchandise on a street or sidewalk requires a permit; outside that district, except for the exemptions in Sec. 70-28, it is unlawful to vend on any street or sidewalk in the city. The vendor permit is issued by the city manager or designee, together with proof of insurance. The application lists name and addresses, proof of identity, the food or goods sold, the proposed location, a description and photograph of the stand, three prints of a full-face photograph taken not more than 30 days before the application, proof of state food-cart licensing and health permits, and an insurance policy of not less than $1,000,000.00 naming the city as an additional insured with 30 days advance written notice of cancellation.

The city manager or designee notifies the applicant of the decision not later than 30 days after a completed application, and a permit is valid for one year. Sec. 70-29 bars vending within ten feet of a business entrance, bus stop, street corner or marked pedestrian crosswalk and within 35 feet of any other vendor. Sec. 70-28 exempts approved farmer's market participants, approved participants in cultural arts and crafts shows including Fun Fest and the Santa Train Christmas parade, approved special event participants, and individuals vending newspapers, leaflets, pamphlets, bumper stickers or buttons.