Pontiac, MI Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Article XIX of the Pontiac City Code, Sections 26-1011 through 26-1029, regulates hawkers and peddlers, defined at Section 26-1011 as anyone who goes from residence to residence or sells on the streets, alleys or public and private places of the city, including magazine sellers and fruit, vegetable or household goods vendors. Section 26-1012 makes it unlawful to engage in or help with hawking or peddling in the city without first obtaining a license, though Section 26-1013 exempts newspaper sales, licensed milk delivery, and sales made on private property with the owner's consent.

Section 26-1014 requires a written application listing the applicant's name and address, the license class sought, the goods to be sold, whether a vehicle will be used, and two character references, along with two 2-inch photographs and a set of police fingerprints. Food sales additionally need county health department approval under Section 26-1015. Section 26-1016 sets annual licenses to expire on May 31 each year and makes licenses nontransferable, while free licenses are available to artisans, farmers, war veterans and blind persons under Section 26-1017.

Licensees must carry and display their license and badge at all times under Section 26-1019 and submit to a physical examination if the county health department requires one under Section 26-1020. Section 26-1021 bars obstructing a sidewalk or street, selling in front of a property over the owner's objection, standing more than five minutes in one place, and selling within 500 feet of a school entrance between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on school days. Section 26-1018 lets the city council revoke or suspend a license for violating the article or state or federal criminal law, after a hearing if the licensee demands one in writing within ten days.