Source: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/departments/MelissaPolice/solicitor_peddlers_permits.php
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 17:56:21+00:00

Document:
The City of Melissa Code of Ordinances, Article 4 - Peddlers, Solicitors, and Handbill Distributors specifically addresses who is required to have a permit, when they can and cannot solicit, and states that they must carry the permit on them at all times.
It shall be unlawful for any peddler, solicitor or handbill distributor to do business within the City of Melissa unless he or she carries a valid permit on him or her at all times. Every peddler, solicitor or handbill distributor shall display his or her permit upon request of any person and failure to so display such permit shall be grounds for revocation or constitute a violation of this article.
Always ask solicitors for identification to verify what company they are working for. If they refuse, ask them to leave.
Ask to see their license from the City of Melissa. If they do not have one, ask them to leave.
Never invite a solicitor into your home. You can say “no thank you” without opening the door.
Never give a solicitor your Social Security number.
Avoid paying with a check or credit card. Cash is best -- get a receipt.
If an item seems too good or too inexpensive to be true, it probably is.
Orders taken are required to be in writing, in duplicate (you get a copy) and to state the name of the solicitor as it appears on his/her license, the solicitor’s permit number, the address of the solicitor and their employer, the terms of the agreement and the amount paid to the solicitor.
If you encounter a solicitor who becomes aggressive or won’t take “no” for an answer, ask them to leave, shut the door and call 911.
You may post a “No Solicitor” sign on private property.
If you feel that the person who has come to your door is trying to sell or solicit anything under false pretenses, please immediately call Melissa Police Department at (972) 838-2033 (Please note that this forwards automatically to Collin County Sheriff's Dispatch after hours). If the solicitor threatens, intimidates you or refuses to leave, please dial 911 for immediate assistance.
How do I apply for a solicitors/peddlers permit?
You must submit an application, consent to a background check, and pay an annual fee of $50.00 to obtain a City of Melissa Solicitor's Permit.
You may download and complete the application ahead of time, but you MUST submit your application in person to the Melissa Police Department (2nd Floor of Melissa City Hall, 3411 Barker Avenue) Normal business hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You will need to show your driver’s license, and submit a $50.00 annual fee with your application. If you are a food truck vendor, you MUST submit a copy of your county health certificate before your application will be processed.
We take cash, checks, or a money order. Sorry we are not able to take credit card payments at this time.
Once you submit your application, a background check will be completed and a photo ID and paper permit will be issued to you. This can take up to 7 business days.
Any questions should be directed to Officer Brandi Davidson or by calling (972) 838-2033.
What activities are prohibited without a permit?
(b) for any person, directly or through an agent or employee to distribute or cause to be distributed, deposited, placed, thrown, cast, scattered, handed out or circulated any handbill; in or upon any premises within the corporate limits of the city without a valid written permit to do so from the City of Melissa.
§ 4.603.1 It shall be unlawful for the person registering or applying, or the agents or employees thereof, to peddle, solicit or distribute handbills for a purpose other than that set out in the registration statement or application upon which the certificate of registration or permit was issued.
§ 4.603.2 It shall be unlawful for any person who shall peddle, solicit or distribute handbills in the city to represent that the issuance of a certificate of registration or permit by the city constitutes an endorsement or approval of the solicitation or distribution by the city or its officers or employees.
§ 4.603.3 It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute or cause to be distributed, deposited, placed, thrown, cast, scattered, handed out or circulated any handbill in or upon any premises which are temporarily or continuously uninhabited or vacant.
§ 4.603.4 It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit for a charitable purpose or to solicit funds for charitable purposes in the City without first obtaining a valid written permit to do so from the City; provided, however, the solicitation of funds for charitable purposes by any organization or association from its members, or the solicitation of funds for charitable purposes by persons when such solicitation occurs on premises owned or controlled by the person soliciting funds, or with the permission of the person who owns or controls the premises, when previously invited to the premises for solicitation is exempt from this Section.
§ 4.603.5 Except as permitted by state law, it shall be unlawful for any person to peddle, sell, offer or exhibit for sale any merchandise or service, whether for profit, for a charitable purpose or otherwise to any person in a motor vehicle, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle (collectively hereinafter "vehicle") while the vehicle is located within a public right-of-way.
§ 4.603.6 Except as permitted by state law, it shall be unlawful for any person to solicit funds, donations, contributions, employment, business or a ride, whether for profit, for a charitable purpose or otherwise, upon any public street, street right-of-way, median, traffic island, parkway or other public right-of-way, excluding sidewalks designed for pedestrian use, within the City.
§ 4.603.7 The City acknowledges that the state legislature has adopted § 552.0071, Transportation Code.
§ 4.603.8 It shall be unlawful for any person to peddle, sell, offer or exhibit for sale any merchandise or service, whether for profit, for a charitable purpose or otherwise on a public sidewalk or road without previous permission granted by the City Administrator, or his designee.
What is required for obtaining a solicitor's permit?
Food truck vendors must ALSO submit a copy of their county health certificate before your application can be processed.
How long does it take to get my solicitor's permit?

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 § 552

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