City Secretary
Services from the City Secretary
ADVERTISING/HANDBILLS
Abilene City Code Chapter 3, Advertising, prohibits the distributing of solicitation information,
flyers and/or advertisements (handbills) on streets, alleys, or public highways, or upon or within
the private premises or buildings of another without the consent of the owner or occupant; or in or
upon any motor vehicle without the consent of the owner of the property on which the vehicle is located.
DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITATION PERMITS
The City of Abilene’s Solicitation Ordinance can be viewed here:
View the Current List of Permits
Who is a Canvasser, Solicitor or Peddler?
· Canvasser means any person whose primary purpose is to enlist support for or against a particular religion, philosophy, ideology, political party, issue, or candidate.
Examples include: political campaigns, churches
· Peddler means any person who carries goods, wares, merchandise or personal property with them and offers it for sale for a purely commercial purpose .
Examples include: Food and Supply Vendors
· Solicitor means any person who takes orders for goods for future delivery, or for services to be performed in the future, including requesting contribution of funds or selling goods or services for a non-commercial purposes.
Examples include: Scouts, PTA sales, magazine sales, energy companies, cable providers
When are the hours of Solicitation?
HOURS 9 AM TO 7 PM
It shall be unlawful for any person to canvass, solicit, or peddle upon any private property in the City where the owner, occupant, or person legally in charge of the premises has posted at the entry to the premises, or at the entry to the principal building on the premises, a sign bearing the words "No Peddlers", "No Solicitors", or words of similar import..
Do you need a Permit?
Canvasser—No
Peddler and Solicitor—Yes
What do I need to Apply for a Permit?
· A valid Texas Driver’s License or state issued photo identification.
· The number of the limited sales tax permit issued to the business by the state comptroller’s office, if applicable.
· A brief description of the activity or business to be conducted.
· The appropriate fee.
· Proof of status necessary to receive an exception under Section 28-11 or 28-16 of the
Abilene City Code.
Permit Exemptions
Solicitations are being made upon premises owned or occupied by an organization upon whose behalf the solicitation is made (example: such as a church soliciting those attending the church on their own property)
Any solicitation in the form of a collection at a regular meeting, assembly, or service of a charitable person
A solicitor or peddler is already licensed by the state to engage in the activity (must provide proof)
Do Minor Solicitors and Peddlers under the age of 18 need a Permit?
· A permit must be obtained by the organization sponsoring any minor solicitation.
· The sponsor shall be responsible for all minors under the permit.
· Each minor soliciting under the permit must have identification provided by the sponsor that identifies the name of the sponsor
What is the Fee?
30 day permit $ 50.00
Fee for each additional worker/solicitor $ 10.00
Yearly application (local business only) $ 100.00
Yearly fee for additional worker/solicitor $ 10.00
Exceptions To The Fee
· Permit fees are not required for religious groups, charities, farmers’ market, and educational organizations.
Issuance of Permit:
Upon completion of the application, the city licensing officer shall issue a permit to the applicant within five (5) business days, unless grounds for denial exist.
Questions? 676-6208 or 676-6202
DOWNLOAD A SOLICITATION BROCHURE
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, AGENDAS, AND MINUTES
Council meetings, open to the public, are held in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, 555 Walnut,
on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Meetings in November and December are traditionally held on the
first and third Thursdays.
In accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, the City Council meeting agenda is posted on the City's
official bulletin boards, first floor of City Hall, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The agenda
is available in the City Secretary's Office, Room 203, and is posted on the City's web site on the
Monday before the Thursday Council meeting. Minutes of recent meetings are available on the City's
web site once approved by City Council, or copies can be obtained from the City Secretary's office.
You may also sign up to receive notices via email from our opt-in mailing list.
ELECTION INFORMATION:
The General election of Council members/Mayor whose terms are expiring is held the second Saturday in
May of each year. All elections are held in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and in
accordance with the Charter of the City of Abilene and Ordinance and Resolution adopted by the Council
for the conduct of elections. Article III. Elections, Initiative, Referendum and Recall of the Charter
of the City of Abilene provides information and requirements for City elections.
Mayor and Council Qualifications