[HISTORY: Adopted as Sec. 2.4.13 of the 1971 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser, as defined in this chapter, to engage in such business within the Town of Northborough without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any person residing within the Town of Northborough and engaged in the pursuit of soliciting for charitable, benevolent, fraternal, religious or political activities, nor to any person exempted by any other General Law, nor shall this chapter be construed to prevent persons having established customers to whom they make periodic deliveries from calling upon such prospective customers to solicit an order for future periodic deliveries.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SOLICITOR OR CANVASSER
Any person who, for himself or for another person, firm or corporation, travels by foot, automobile or any other type of conveyance from place to place or from house to house, taking or attempting to lease or to take orders for the sale of goods, wares, merchandise or services, or taking or attempting to take contributions for any purpose, including, without limitation, the selling, distribution, exposing for sale of or soliciting orders for magazines, books, periodicals or other articles of a commercial nature, the contracting of all home improvements or for services to be performed in the future, whether or not such individual has, carries or exposes for retail sale a sample of the subject of such sale or whether or not he is collecting advance payment on such retail sales.
Applicants for a license shall file with the Chief of Police, on a form issued by him, a written application, signed under the penalties of perjury, containing the following information:
A. 
Name of applicant.
B. 
Address of applicant (local and permanent address).
C. 
Applicant’s height, weight, eye and hair color.
D. 
Applicant’s social security number.
E. 
The length of time for which the right to do business is desired.
F. 
A brief description of the nature of the business and the goods to be sold.
G. 
A photograph of the applicant, which picture shall be submitted by the applicant and be two inches by two inches, showing the head and shoulders of the applicant in a clear and distinguishing manner.
H. 
A statement as to whether or not the applicant has been convicted of any crime or misdemeanor within 10 years of the date of application, except violations of the Motor Vehicle Law, and the nature of the offense.
I. 
If operating a motor vehicle, the year, make, color, model, motor number, registration number, state of registration, vehicle’s owner and address.
J. 
The applicant’s fingerprints.
After an investigation of the applicant’s morals and integrity, the Chief of Police shall approve or disapprove the application and notify the applicant of his decision. In the event that the application is approved, a license shall be issued. Any applicant shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Selectmen.
Such license, when issued, shall contain the signature of the issuing officer and shall show the name, address and photograph of said licensee, the date of issuance and the length of time the same shall be operative, as well as the license number.
Solicitors and canvassers, when engaged in the business of soliciting or canvassing, are required to display an identifying badge issued by the Chief of Police, by wearing said badge on outer garment.
Each license issued under the provisions of this chapter shall continue in force for one year from the date of its issue unless sooner revoked.
An applicant requesting a renewal of a license must apply in person for such license renewal and provide such material as required by the Chief of Police.