Full Notification

Now that spring is here and the warmer weather is upon us, we have seen an increase in solicitor activity within the Township. As such, we wanted to pass on the following information regarding soliciting activities and permit requirements:

All commercial solicitors (selling or taking orders for merchandise or services) are required to possess and display a Township issued Solicitor’s Permit. The permits are bright pink in color with a valid thru date, the solicitor's name and the name of the organization they represent on the front of the permit. In addition, there will be a photograph of the solicitor on the back.

Some non-commercial solicitors, such as religious organizations or volunteer firemen, are not required to possess a permit. Other non-commercial solicitors (including, but not limited to: requests for donations from charitable, civic, philanthropic, or educational organizations) are still required to obtain a Township permit, but the permit will not contain the photograph of the solicitor on the back.

It should be noted that employees of public utilities are also exempt from the permit requirement as long as they are not engaged in marketing or sales activities. These individuals must display their company identification. If they are engaged in marketing or sales activities, they are required to obtain and present a Township permit just like any other commercial solicitor.

If the solicitor is not displaying their permit, refuses to produce it if asked, or if you are unsure if they are legitimately soliciting for any reason, do not provide the solicitor with any information and immediately contact the Police Department at 973-627-4900 x 9. Provide the dispatcher with a physical description of the solicitor, to include a clothing description, the location you encountered them and their last known direction of travel. Officers will respond to the area in an attempt to locate the subject and take any enforcement action that may be necessary.

It should be noted that the Township is constitutionally prohibited from placing an outright ban on door-to-door solicitation throughout the entire Township. However, solicitors are only permitted to go door-to-door between the hours of 9am and 9pm, and are prohibited to go to any home on the Township's No Solicitation List. If you wish to be added to the No Solicitation List, please complete the No Solicitation Form on the Township's website (www.denvillenj.org/no_solicitation_form.php) or contact the Township Clerk's Office at 973-625-8300.