New Hanover County's Code of Ordinances (administered through Municode) governs door-to-door peddlers and solicitors in unincorporated areas of the county. The City of Wilmington (the county seat) maintains its own separate solicitor ordinance and permit process. Commercial solicitors must respect 'No Soliciting' signs and may be cited for trespass under N.C.G.S. § 14-159.13 after notice. Religious, political and charitable canvassing is constitutionally protected.
New Hanover County's Code of Ordinances (library.municode.com/nc/new_hanover_county) and the county Planning & Land Use Department (910-798-7165) administer commercial-solicitor licensing for unincorporated portions of the county. Solicitors operating in unincorporated New Hanover County must also comply with N.C.G.S. Chapter 66 (state peddler licensing), and may need a county or municipal privilege license depending on the goods or services. The City of Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach each maintain a separate solicitor ordinance for incorporated areas. Solicitation at any property posted 'No Soliciting' or 'No Trespassing' is prohibited and enforceable as criminal trespass under N.C.G.S. § 14-159.13 once notice is given (the sign itself constitutes notice). Religious, political and charitable canvassing is exempt from commercial licensing. Report unlicensed solicitors to the New Hanover County Sheriff at 910-798-4200 (non-emergency).
Soliciting without a required license, soliciting at a posted 'No Soliciting' property, or misrepresenting the goods/service is a county ordinance violation subject to fines under the county's general penalty schedule. State trespass charges may apply.
See how New Hanover County's solicitor permits rules stack up against other locations.
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