Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Madison must obtain a Direct Seller license under MGO Chapter 9. Applications require ID, background information, and a fee. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections.
Madison General Ordinance Chapter 9 regulates direct sellers and transient merchants. Persons going door-to-door to sell goods or services must obtain a Direct Seller license from the City Clerk. The application requires identification, description of goods or services, employer information, and a license fee. Licenses may be denied based on prior fraud convictions. Licensed sellers must carry identification showing their license number and display it on request. Solicitation hours are restricted to reasonable daytime hours, typically 9 AM to 7 PM or sunset. Non-commercial canvassing, including political campaigning, religious proselytizing, and charitable fundraising, is protected under the First Amendment and does not require a commercial license, though organizations may register voluntarily. Residents who post a clear No Soliciting sign may not be approached by commercial sellers; violations can result in license suspension.
Unlicensed commercial solicitation results in citations under MGO Chapter 9 and possible license denial for future applications.
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