Reading, PA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Chief of Police
- Application window
- 10-60 days ahead
- Hours allowed
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m. only
- Fine range
- $50-$300 per day
- Permit duration
- max 7 days
Summary
Reading requires anyone canvassing or soliciting door-to-door to obtain a police permit at least 10 business days in advance, bars the activity outside 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and fines violators up to $300 per day.
A. General. The City of Reading prohibits any person or organization from conducting solicitations and canvassing of residences without a permit. It shall be a violation of this Part to engage in solicitation and canvassing without a permit... B. Permit required. Every person, prior to engaging in activity as a solicitor or canvasser, whether acting on his or her own behalf, as principal, or as the employee or agent of another, shall apply for and obtain a permit as hereinafter provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 410, Part 2 of Reading's code bars any person or organization from soliciting or canvassing residences without a permit from the Chief of Police. Applicants must apply 10 to 60 days ahead, submit each participant's name, address, physical description and Social Security number for a background check, and list the specific addresses to be visited. The Chief of Police can grant, deny or restrict a permit based on the applicant's criminal history or public-safety concerns; solicitation is barred outside 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and each permit covers no more than seven days. Violators face fines of $50 to $300 per day per participant and a two-year bar from further permits.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting or canvassing without a valid permit, or violating its terms, carries a fine of $50 to $300 per day per participant, plus a two-year ban on future permits for a first violation and a permanent ban for a second.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exempt from Reading's solicitor permit requirement?
What hours can door-to-door solicitors work in Reading?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania soliciting & door-to-door overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.