Passaic, NJ Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 211, Article II covers soliciting and canvassing by anyone not already covered as a peddler under Article I. § 211-12 defines a 'solicitor,' also called a canvasser, as a person who, through physical presence in Passaic, attempts to gain access to residents, merchants, businessmen or other occupants to impart or receive communications, information, goods, services, money or materials: compensation is not required for the definition to apply. § 211-13 requires a permit from the City Clerk, obtained through the Police Department and Chief of Police, before soliciting or canvassing anywhere in the City, with a $65 application fee. § 211-14 requires the applicant to undergo a full background search by the Chief of Police, supplying name, address, age, birth date, social security number, physical characteristics, the group affiliated with, a description of the solicitation's purpose, and two passport-size photographs. § 211-15 lets the Chief deny a permit for fraud, misrepresentation or false statements in the application, or for a conviction involving moral turpitude, fraud or dishonesty, with a written explanation to the applicant. § 211-18(D) caps a permit's duration at 14 days from the applicant's requested start date; longer permits require separate City Council approval. § 211-19 restricts hours: no soliciting or canvassing before 9:30 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and no canvassing within 1,000 feet of a school for the 15 minutes before, or half hour after, dismissal. § 211-20(B) lets a charitable or nonprofit applicant petition Council for a fee discount, though the fee can never drop below $15, and deliverypersons and businesses making regular deliveries are exempt entirely under § 211-20(A).