Marion, OH Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 750 of the Marion Codified Ordinances covers peddlers, canvassers and solicitors. Section 750.01 defines the term as any individual, resident or not, who travels by foot, wagon, automobile, motor vehicle or any other conveyance from house to house or street to street, selling or taking orders for goods, services or tangible personal property, whether or not for future delivery and whether or not the person carries the item or collects advance payment. It also reaches a person who occupies a place in the municipality for the exclusive purpose of selling or making appointments by telephone, and any firm doing such business and the individuals soliciting for it. It does not apply to a minor under the age of 16 years, local newspaper delivery and subscription solicitations, food products under the jurisdiction of the City Board of Health, services offered by telephone companies, or sales made exclusively to commercial or industrial enterprises.

Section 750.02 requires registration before any canvassing. Under § 750.03 the applicant files a written form with the Safety/Service Director or the Director's agent. The form asks for name, age and description, home and local address, the nature of the business, the employer and credentials, how long the business will run, where the goods are made and how they will be delivered, two photographs one inch by one inch taken within six months of filing, any felony or misdemeanor conviction, vehicle details, driver's license number, two personal references and a description of the marketing method. Under § 750.04 the applicant attests to the truth of the statements and pays $7.50. The registration issues within five days, and during that time the municipality can verify the application. It stays valid for six months. Each individual and each firm, partnership or corporation must register, but a trainee employed less than 30 days and always accompanied by a registered person does not. Under § 750.05 the card or badge is worn on the outer apparel at all times and shown to anyone who asks. Under § 750.10 a registration cannot be assigned or transferred.