Special to IFN
A new ordinance regulating regulating the activities of solicitors, peddlers, and panhandlers takes effect in the City of Statesville on October 1.
The Statesville City Council unanimously approved the second reading of the ordinance on August 4.
The updated regulations are designed to enhance public safety, protect private property rights, and provide transparency for residents when individuals are selling goods or requesting donations within the city limits.
Under the new rules, anyone wishing to go door-to-door to sell products or services, approach people in public to promote goods, or solicit donations for a business or organization must first obtain a permit through the Statesville Police Department. Permits are not required for panhandlers, local schools, religious or charitable organizations permanently based in Iredell County, sales made only to businesses or professional offices or permitted mobile food trucks.
Permit applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the intended start date. Applicants must provide personal details, employer information, and a criminal history disclosure, undergo a background check, and pay a $50 fee. Approved applicants will receive a photo ID permit that must be worn and visible while soliciting. Permits are valid for up to one year and may be renewed.
The ordinance also sets specific time and location restrictions. Soliciting is prohibited from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and all day on Sunday. Soliciting on private property with “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” signs is also prohibited.
The new ordinance represents a significant expansion of previous rules. It introduces permits and background checks for solicitors and peddlers, broadens definitions to clarify exemptions, increases protected distances around sensitive locations, and establishes trespassing penalties for violating posted restrictions. It also creates a formal appeals process for denied or revoked permits and classifies most violations as Class 3 misdemeanors under state law.
“These updates give the Statesville Police Department the tools to verify who is soliciting, respond quickly to complaints, and ensure both residents and legitimate businesses are protected,” said Statesville Police Chief David Onley.
Residents or businesses planning to solicit or peddle in Statesville after October 1 should contact the Statesville Police Department for permit instructions. Additional details and the permit application are available at police.statesvillenc.net under Reports & Forms.
Sample Permit
