New Peddling and Soliciting Ordinance Takes Effect in L. Saucon

On Dec. 9, a revised peddling and soliciting ordinance took effect in Lower Saucon Township.

Some of the major changes include the following:

—The permitted hours for peddling are now 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Prior to the revision, peddling was permitted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on these days. Peddling was not permitted on Sundays, and it remains prohibited.

—The Lower Saucon Township Police Department will maintain a registry of individual property owners who have registered their property as a “No Peddling” property. The Police Department will provide all persons who are issued a peddler's permit with a copy of this registry, and any contact with a property owner listed on the registry will be considered a violation of the ordinance and grounds for revocation of the permit.

—Anyone who wishes to peddle or solicit door-to-door in Lower Saucon is now required to obtain a license from the LSTPD and submit a copy of a criminal history report from the Pennsylvania State Police. According to the township, "the application must disclose the person’s name and address; the types of goods, wares and merchandise they wish to peddle; the length of time they wish to be licensed; the make of the vehicle they will be using, and the number of persons assisting in the peddling activity." Peddling permits will be valid for a maximum of six months, and there is a fee for each permit issued.

Some groups, such as religious organizations and Girl Scouts, are exempt from the new requirements. For more information about groups that are exempt, refer to the information recently posted on the Lower Saucon Township website.