Lima, OH regulates door-to-door peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers through the Codified Ordinances of Lima (hosted on American Legal Publishing). Commercial solicitors must register with the city and carry a license; religious, political, and charitable solicitors are constitutionally exempt. Ohio has no statewide permit requirement, so the local ordinance controls.
Lima's Codified Ordinances cover peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers — typical Ohio municipal language closely follows the model used by Mansfield (Chapter 737) and Whitehall (Chapter 745). Commercial solicitors must apply to the City for a license/registration before going door-to-door, providing identification, proof of insurance for the business, the type of goods/services, and the proposed solicitation area and hours. Lima limits solicitation to daytime hours (typically 9 a.m. to sunset or 8 p.m., whichever is earlier) and honors 'No Soliciting' signs on private property. Police enforce the ordinance; the City Auditor or Police Department typically issues the license. Ohio Revised Code 2917.21 (Telecommunications Harassment) and state trespass law also back up enforcement.
Soliciting without registration is a minor misdemeanor on first offense, escalating with repeat offenses. Refusing to leave after a 'No Soliciting' sign or homeowner request can lead to criminal trespass charges under ORC 2911.21.
See how Lima's solicitor permits rules stack up against other locations.
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