Commercial solicitation in Bellefontaine now requires a permit to be approved and issued and by city government, discussion revealed Tuesday in a regular city council meeting.
Service-Safety Director Dave Henry outlined the process by which a business or other commercial enterprise must go through in order to lawfully sell door-to-door within the city limits, and it’s anything but a rubber stamp.
The two-page request for commercial solicitation detailed Tuesday requires in-person application, and petitioners must also pass a background check as part of their permit process, Henry said. A $40 permit fee also applies.
Council members have previously passed an ordinance requiring a permit for door-to-door, for-profit solicitation, and the service-safety director’s office worked closely with Police Chief Brandon Standley and Law Director Josh Stolly to implement the application process.
Legislation came as a result of multiple complaints lodged by city residents over door-to-door solicitors, Henry said. If in doubt, residents are encouraged to ask to see a solicitor’s permit, and report the any unpermitted solicitors.
There are some exemptions. Charitable causes, school clubs and other not-for-profit groups based in Logan County do not require a permit to solicit door-to-door, Henry said. Likewise, individuals selling agricultural goods produced themselves are also not required to secure a permit.
Several businesses have already filed for and secured a solicitor permit, Henry noted, including Spectrum cable and Internet services.
Permits are only good within a calendar year, Jan 1 through Dec. 31. New permits are required at the turn of every calendar year, no matter when the previous license was granted.