Troy, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 224, Article I, is titled "The Hawking, Vending, Soliciting and Peddling Ordinance" (§ 224-1). Section 224-7 makes it unlawful to engage in, conduct, manage or operate that business within the City limits without first obtaining a license from the City Council. The definition in § 224-2 reaches any person, whether a resident of the City or not, who carries goods from place to place or house to house, so a door-to-door seller from outside Troy is covered the same as a local one.

The application goes to the City Clerk or the Mayor in duplicate on a form they furnish. It asks for the applicant's name and description, legal and local address, the nature of the business and goods, the employer and exact relationship if employed, the duration of time wanted, a vehicle description with license number if one is used, and a statement of any crime, misdemeanor or ordinance violation conviction (§ 224-8). A $20 fee at filing pays for the investigation (§ 224-9(A)).

The Chief of Police then investigates the applicant's business and moral character. Under § 224-10 the application carries fingerprint impressions for criminal history records from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the applicant pays that agency's fee plus any additional City of Troy fee. A disapproval states its reasons in accordance with Correction Law Article 23-a. If approved, the Clerk issues the license on proof that the prescribed fees were paid to the City Comptroller.

A license can be limited by location and conduct. Section 224-12 says it is not permission to peddle upon or within 200 feet of any school, firehouse, public building or privately operated store or business. Section 224-4 bars exclusive street locations and operating in congested areas. Section 224-13 requires the licensee to show it on request, and § 224-15 bars use by anyone but the named holder.