Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 296 of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Code was adopted 12-3-2019 by Ord. No. 2019:68 to balance First Amendment protections for door-to-door activity against public safety and residents' privacy. Section 296-3 makes it unlawful for any peddler, solicitor or canvasser to work in the Township without first obtaining a license. A solicitor includes a person taking orders for future delivery, a survey or opinion-poll taker, and anyone seeking contributions, donations or alms in public or quasi-public areas.

Charitable and not-for-profit advocacy, religious proselytizing, political speech and distribution of political or religious handbills are exempt from the license requirement but still subject to the time limits. Veterans and exempt volunteer firefighters holding a special state license, public utility employees showing an employer badge, and persons delivering previously ordered merchandise are also outside the chapter under § 296-4.

The applicant files a sworn written application in duplicate with the Township Clerk under § 296-5. It lists the applicant and employer, a description of each proposed solicitor, the merchandise or service, any vehicle with registration and driver's license copies, the days and hours of activity, two 2-inch by 2-inch color passport-quality photographs, and other municipalities worked in the previous 12 months. The fee is a nonrefundable amount set by resolution of the Township Council. The Clerk ordinarily acts within 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Section 296-8 allows denial only for falsified application information or a conviction involving fraud, a sex offense, controlled substance distribution, or violence against persons or property. The licensee carries and displays the license at all times, and each person of a firm needs a separate license under § 296-13. Under § 296-11 the licensee must notify the Police Department before starting and give the general area and schedule.

Hours under § 296-10, amended 11-21-2023 by Ord. No. 2023:24, run 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.