[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Sylvan Beach 1-8-1979 as L.L. No. 2-1979. Sections 88-17 and 88-18 amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I. Other amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Appearance tickets — See Ch. 11.
Outdoor display of merchandise — See Ch. 71.
Noise — See Ch. 78.
The Village Board of the Village of Sylvan Beach, in order to promote the general safety, health and welfare and in the exercise of its police powers to promote the same, after due consideration and hearing all opposed and in favor, does hereby find that the general health, welfare and interest of the public will be protected by the adoption of the following chapter.
For the purpose of this chapter, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS
Includes any building, store or fixed depository in which or where a person transacts business, sells or deals in goods, wares, retail foods and merchandise which he offers for sale or for which he solicits orders, as hereinafter defined, or in which goods, wares, retail food and/or merchandise is given away in return for skill.
HAWKER AND PEDDLER
Except as herein expressly provided, includes any and all persons who, either as principals or agents, sell, barter, offer for sale or barter or carry or expose for sale or barter any goods, wares, retail foods or merchandise within the limits of the Village of Sylvan Beach, whether on public or private property, or by going from house to house or from place of business to place of business, on foot or on or from or by means of any vehicle, conveyance or stand within the limits of Sylvan Beach, whether on public or private property.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
LICENSEE
A person to whom a license has been granted pursuant to this chapter.
MERCHANDISING
Includes the selling, bartering or trading or offering to sell, barter or trade any goods, wares, retail foods, commodities or services.
PERSON
Includes any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, unincorporated association and all other entities of any kind, or any principal or agent thereof.
SOLICITOR
Includes any person who goes from house to house or from place of business to place of business or who stands in any street, public highway or public place and takes or offers to take orders for goods, wares, retail foods or merchandise, except as hereinafter exempted, or for services to be performed in the future or for making, manufacturing or repairing any article or thing whatsoever for future delivery.
It shall be unlawful for any person within the limits of the Village of Sylvan Beach to act as a hawker, peddler or solicitor as heretofore defined in this chapter, except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, and without first having obtained and paid for and having in force and effect a license as provided herein.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
Nothing in this chapter shall authorize, allow or otherwise permit any person to act as a hawker, peddler or solicitor, as heretofore defined in this chapter, with or without a license, on all village-owned property and that property under its jurisdiction. including private property, the A-1 Amusement District, the P Public Use Districts and the L-1 Lakefront District, including all streets and highways within and bounding these districts, unless prior written approval is obtained from the Village Board.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
Every applicant for a license under this chapter shall file with the Village Clerk on or before April 15, or at a later date a special permit may be issued by the Village Board, a sworn written application, in duplicate, on a form to be furnished by said Clerk, which shall give or be accompanied by the following information:
A. 
The name and description of the applicant.
B. 
The permanent home address and full local address of the applicant.
C. 
A brief statement of the nature of the business and a description of the merchandise or service to be sold.
D. 
If employed, the name and address of the employer, together with credentials establishing the exact relationship, and the name and address of a person upon whom legal process and notice may be served.
E. 
The length of time for which the license is desired.
F. 
If a vehicle is to be used, a description of such vehicle and its license number.
G. 
The place where the goods or property to be sold or offered for sale are manufactured or produced, where such goods or property are located at the time such application is filed and the proposed method of delivery.
H. 
A photograph of the applicant taken within 60 days immediately prior to the date of the application, which photograph shall clearly show the head and shoulders of the applicant and shall measure two inches by two inches.
I. 
Two business references located in the County of Oneida, State of New York or, in lieu thereof, such other available evidence of the character and business responsibility of the applicant as will enable an investigator to properly evaluate such character and responsibility.
J. 
A statement as to whether the applicant has been convicted of any crime, misdemeanor or violation of any local, state or federal ordinance, the nature of the offense and the punishment or penalty assessed therefor.
K. 
If peddling or soliciting is to be conducted as a team, group or other organized party under single leadership or direction, control or sponsorship, the above-required personal information shall also be supplied as to such leader or person in charge and with respect to each other person, employee or agent so involved.
L. 
If the applicant represents or is the agent for a principal, there shall be appended to the application a letter or other evidence of authorization or agency from the principal describing the nature and scope of such applicant's authority and any restrictions, limitations and conditions imposed on such applicant by the principal agency or organization he represents. In addition, copies of each order form, contract or other form or document to be utilized by the applicant in such sale or solicitation shall be attached to the application.
M. 
Where the applicant is offering for sale goods, merchandise or commodities required to be sold by weight, measure or count as provided under Article 16 of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York, such application shall be accompanied by a current valid certificate from the Sealer of Weights and Measures having jurisdiction thereof certifying that all weighing and measuring devices to be used by the applicant have been examined and approved.
N. 
A statement as to whether any previous application for a license was made and the disposition of the application.
O. 
The location of places in which the applicant has been in business during the previous year.
P. 
If the applicant is to offer any kind of foodstuffs for sale, the application shall be accompanied by a current valid certificate from the Oneida County Health Department or New York State Health Department indicating that the applicant's cart or vehicle used to convey said foodstuffs is in compliance with all applicable regulations and has been inspected by said Health Department.
Q. 
Satisfactory proof of compliance with all New York State and Oneida County sales tax regulations.
R. 
Proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 and with the village listed as named insured.
S. 
Any additional information required by any competent village office or agency in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the village.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
A. 
The Codes Enforcement Officer shall verify the statements and information given on the application and shall recommend approval or disapproval of the application.
B. 
Based on the Codes Enforcement Officer's recommendation, the Village Clerk, with the approval of the Village Board, shall, within 30 days, approve the application and issue a license or shall deny the application.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
If the Village Clerk, with the approval of the Village Board, denies the applicant a license, he/she shall endorse on such application such disapproval and the reason for the same and shall forthwith notify the applicant, in writing, of such denial and of his/her right of appeal as herein provided.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
Any applicant who shall have been denied a license by the Village Clerk under the provisions of this chapter may appeal, in writing, to the Village Board of the Village of Sylvan Beach, and the decision of the Village Clerk may be upheld or reversed by the Village Board. An applicant who files a notice of appeal at least one week prior to the next regularly scheduled Village Board meeting shall have the right to have his appeal heard at said meeting. The Village Board shall, within one week of the appeal hearing, notify the applicant, in writing, of the Board's decision.
A. 
Every person to whom a license is granted hereunder shall carry the same at all times while hawking, peddling or soliciting and shall produce and exhibit the same to any person requesting or demanding to see it.
B. 
Failure to produce a license upon demand shall be deemed prima facie evidence that no license exists.
[Amended 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
A. 
The fees for each license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be determined annually by resolution of the Village Board.
B. 
The Village Clerk, however, shall issue a license for the period of one season or any portion thereof. The initial fee will cover one vehicle and one driver-salesman; $30 for each additional salesman or assistant and $30 for each additional vehicle and driver-salesman shall be required. The fees listed in this Subsection B shall annually be reviewed by the Village Board and may be revised by resolution of said Village Board.
The fee for such license shall be paid to the Village Clerk.
The Village Clerk shall keep a record of all applications and of all licenses granted under this chapter and the amount of fee paid therefor.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
A. 
No person shall engage in hawking, peddling or soliciting within the village until he shall have obtained a license in writing to conduct such business from the Village Clerk and shall have deposited with the Village Clerk the sum of $500 in cash, certified check or bank draft or performance bond in the amount of $500 as security.
B. 
Upon the filing with the Village Clerk of satisfactory proof that the person so making such deposit has discontinued such hawking, peddling or soliciting and returns his license to the Village Clerk, the Village Clerk shall return said deposit or so much there of as shall remain after deducting all sums due the village under the provisions of this chapter.
C. 
Any sum of money deposited with the Village Clerk pursuant to Subsection A of this section which shall be left unclaimed for a period of 30 days after the termination of a license to engage in hawking, peddling or soliciting by a person making said deposit shall, upon notice to the license holder, be forfeited to the general fund of the village. For the purposes of this section, "notice" shall be defined as the mailing of a registered letter, return receipt requested, to the address set forth on the license-holder's application.
A. 
For the purposes of this chapter a licensee shall not:
(1) 
Resort to deceptive acts or practices, physical abuse, threats, intimidation or harassment in the course of conducting his business or offer for sale any provision, food or merchandise that is unwholesome, unfit, deleterious or harmful to the user or consumer thereof.
(2) 
Peddle at or solicit at a private residence which has displayed a sign bearing the words "No Peddling or Soliciting," or words of like intent, nor shall any licensee remain on the premises after the owner or occupant thereof shall have requested his departure therefrom.
(3) 
Keep the vehicles and receptacles used by him in an unclean or unsanitary condition nor the foodstuffs and edibles offered for sale uncovered and unprotected from dirt, dust, insects, contamination or spoilage or as otherwise required by competent municipal health authority.
(4) 
Permit any vehicle used by him to stop or remain on any crosswalk.
(5) 
Assign or transfer his license to any other person, and any transfer to or use of such license by any other person shall be a violation and shall automatically thereupon terminate such license.
(6) 
Self-contained vehicles.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(a) 
Vend, sell, peddle, hawk or offer for sale as a peddler or hawker from a pushcart or vehicle any goods, wares or foodstuffs, unless such pushcart or vehicle be self-contained as that term is defined below.
(b) 
Vend, sell, peddle, hawk, offer for sale or display any goods, wares or foodstuffs from any table, stand, box, barrel or any other apparatus which is not mounted on wheels and capable of being moved immediately upon the direction of a police officer, fireman, building inspector or other representative of the village.
(7) 
Locate tables, chairs, benches or anything other than the pushcart or vehicle from which the permit-holder conducts his business on any public property, right-of-way, street or sidewalk, except as expressly provided herein. This subsection does not apply to established businesses as defined in § 88-2.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(8) 
Stop, sell, stand, place or allow his pushcart, vehicle or wares within 100 feet of another peddler or solicitor or established business.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(9) 
Stop or park his pushcart or vehicle on the street during hours when stopping, standing or parking has been prohibited by sign, village law or New York State Vehicle and Traffic Code Regulations.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(10) 
Conduct business where curbs have been depressed to facilitate pedestrian or vehicular movement.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(11) 
Interfere with pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk or vehicular traffic on the street, nor shall any person interfere with the entrance or exit space of any property abutting a sidewalk or street.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(12) 
Create a nuisance or a danger to health, life or property.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(13) 
Leave his pushcart or vehicle unattended during the hours he is engaged in business.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(14) 
Leave his pushcart or vehicle on the sidewalk or street overnight.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(15) 
Place his motor vehicle on any sidewalk in the village for the purpose of peddling or soliciting.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(16) 
Stop or park a pushcart or vehicle within 50 feet of any area designated by the village as a fire lane.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(17) 
Shout, make any outcry, blow a horn, ring a bell, use any sound device or any loudspeaker, including any loud speaking radio or sound-amplifying system, upon any of the streets, alleys, parks or other public places of the village where the sound is sufficient to be capable of being plainly heard upon the streets, avenues, alleys, parks or other public places for the purpose of attracting attention to any goods, wares or merchandise which such license-holder proposes to sell, unless by special permit by the Village Board.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(18) 
Have an exclusive right to any location in the public streets or be permitted a stationary location or be permitted to operate in any congested area where his operation might impede or inconvenience the public.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(19) 
Engage in mind reading, fortune-telling, palm reading or other acts attempting to foretell the future or past as defined in § 165-35 of the New York State Penal Code.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
B. 
Required conduct.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(1) 
Every peddler or solicitor shall maintain the area immediately surrounding his pushcart or vehicle in a clean manner.
(2) 
Each peddler or solicitor selling or offering for sale foodstuffs for immediate consumption shall provide at least one trash receptacle for the disposal of refuse. He shall be required to maintain the receptacle as provided and shall not allow said receptacle to become so filled as to overflow onto the ground, sidewalk or street. He shall not empty his own receptacle or refuse into village owned or leased containers, barrels or dumpsters.
The Village Board may suspend any license issued hereunder upon receiving information giving reasonable cause to believe that any licensee hereunder has either violated this chapter by an act involving moral turpitude, physical abuse, threats, intimidation or harassment or has been convicted of any violation of this chapter or of any crime or offense endangering the peace, safety, health or general welfare of the inhabitants of the village. Within 14 days after such suspension, the Village Board shall conduct a hearing and issue its determination as to whether the license shall be revoked or reinstated.
A. 
Except as otherwise provided by § 88-4, no part of this chapter shall be enforced so as to conflict with § 32 of the General Business Law of the State of New York, providing for exemptions for veterans.
B. 
Except as otherwise provided by § 88-4, nothing in this chapter shall apply to or prevent:
(1) 
Sales conducted pursuant to statute or by order of any court.
(2) 
Sales by wholesalers to either retailers or merchants having an established place of business within the Village of Sylvan Beach.
(3) 
Hawking, peddling and soliciting by farmers and truck gardeners who reside in the Village of Sylvan Beach and who sell or offer to sell products of their own farms or gardens.
(4) 
Hawking, peddling and soliciting by members of any American Legion or VFW Post or auxiliary thereof, fire department and auxiliary, church or other religious or fraternal organization, clinic or other not-for-profit corporation located in the Village of Sylvan Beach when done for the purpose of raising money for the benefit of such organization and provided, further, that said organization has, prior to engaging in any hawking, peddling and soliciting, registered with the Village Clerk notice of such activity.
(5) 
Sales of milk or newspapers.
(6) 
The operation of the senior citizens flea market which has been historically operated in the village park; however, the Village Park Commissioners shall annually set fees and conditions for the operation of said flea market. Said conditions are to be made to protect the health, welfare and safety of the people of the village.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
(7) 
The operation of any vehicle rides or tours, whether mechanical or animal powered; however, the Village Board of Trustees shall annually set fees and conditions for the operation of these rides or tours before a license is granted. Said conditions are to be made to protect the health, welfare and safety of the people of the village.
[Added 7-28-1986 by L.L. No. 3-1986]
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 for each offense or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. The continuation of an offense against the provisions of this chapter shall constitute, for each day the offense is continued, a separate and distinct offense hereunder.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.).
The Codes Enforcement Officer, the duly authorized peace officer and/or their duly designated assistants shall investigate all complaints received by them, the Village Clerk or the Village Justice. If the peace officer, the Codes Enforcement Officer or their duly designated assistants find probable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred, they shall issue an appearance ticket pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Law.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.).