Somerville, MA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Section 8-147 makes it unlawful to solicit or canvass, on foot or by vehicle, from place to place or house to house, calling at residences without the occupant's previous consent, without first registering with the chief of police. , Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays, or by mail, and must truthfully disclose the organization's name and tax ID, every representative's name, address, date of birth and Social Security number, vehicle descriptions, the subject of the solicitation, the three most recent communities canvassed, and any felony convictions or prior certificate revocations within five years.

A photo of each representative is required, and the chief must act on a complete application within three business days; no complete application meeting Article VI's requirements can be denied. No certificate goes to anyone convicted of a felony within five years, anyone who violated the article within five years, or anyone whose certificate was revoked within five years. Section 8-149 requires immediate revocation upon a conviction under the article or a false statement in the application, with written notice to the holder. Section 8-150 bars any deceptive plan or ruse used to gain entry, and Section 8-151 requires solicitors to check for 'no soliciting' postings and leave immediately if one is present, or the moment a resident asks them to go.

Section 8-146 exempts hawkers, peddlers, government employees on duty, youths shoveling snow or mowing lawns, milk, bakery, insurance, laundry, ice, oil and coal deliverers, and minors under 18 soliciting for charity.