Ridgefield, CT Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 274, adopted in 2016 and amended in its entirety in 2018, opens with a stated purpose of promoting public safety, welfare, comfort and privacy and deterring crime, consumer fraud and undue annoyance. Section 274-2(A) makes it unlawful for any person or entity to peddle, vend, hawk or sell any goods, services, wares, merchandise, or periodical subscription upon a Town road or house to house anywhere in Ridgefield unless the owner or occupant requested or invited it. The chapter defines an 'entity' broadly to include corporations, partnerships and their agents or employees.

Section 274-2(B) lists the exceptions: political canvassers; persons or entities authorized to act for a charitable, civic or religious organization, or for any organization the Board of Selectmen has approved for the exemption; farmers and gardeners selling their own produce; food delivery services; and mobile food service operations permitted under the chapter, along with parties on private residential property under the Zoning Regulations. Because the ordinance is framed as a prohibition rather than a licensing scheme, there is no separate application, fee or background-check step for a general solicitor; a would-be seller either fits one of the listed exceptions or needs the specific invitation of the resident or occupant being approached. The Board of Selectmen holds the discretion to approve which charitable, civic or religious organizations qualify for the organizational exemption.