This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "College Township Solicitors and Temporary Business Ordinance."
[Amended 9-3-1998 by Ord. No. O-98-11; 3-2-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-01; 2-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-01; 5-15-2025 by Ord. No. O-25-04]
This chapter is enacted to monitor and control the activities of solicitors and temporary business that would not be covered by the zoning process so as to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the Township residents.
A.
Any solicitor or temporary business, as defined in this chapter, must obtain a permit from the College Township Municipal Office. Residents may join an annual list requesting "No Solicitation." Said list will be provided to the applicant along with the permit.
B.
Any person seeking a solicitor or temporary business permit under the provisions of this chapter shall, in signing the application to obtain the same, agree that they will not solicit homes whose owners or residents have joined a registration list which indicates that such owner or resident of such home does not wish to be solicited. Such a list shall be made available to the residents of the Township, and a copy thereof shall be given to each person obtaining a permit under the provisions of this chapter. In the event that such persons soliciting within the boundaries of the Township shall fail to recognize the wishes of the homeowners or the resident of such home, then attempt to solicit such home shall be deemed a breach of this chapter and shall result in revocation of the solicitor's permit. Any resident requesting to be on said list may revoke their inclusion at any time.
A. CHARITABLE EVENT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OWNER SOLICITOR TEMPORARY BUSINESS
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
An event sponsored by an organization with its sole purpose to benefit a community or charitable cause.
Organizations which area exempt from taxation by the United States Treasury Department, such as religious or charitable organizations.
The legal or beneficial owner(s) of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition.
Any person or group engaging in the activity of canvassing, peddling or soliciting who is obtaining information through the collection of money, donations, tickets or coupons or in the selling by sample or by orders or otherwise, within the municipality, or whether by foot, from a structure, by vehicle or telephone or by any other manner.
A person or group engaging on a limited-time basis, not to exceed 13 weeks per calendar year or as permitted in § 200-41, whichever is greater, in the sale of personal property, consumer goods, or services at a fixed location within the Township.
B.
Exclusions. The foregoing definitions shall be deemed not to include any of the following activities and are excluded from permits and fees:
(1)
Campaigning for political office, whether conducted in person, in public, by telephone or by mail.
(2)
The solicitation of donations by mail or by telephone.
(3)
Any sale, collection of money, taking of orders for personal property or services at a prearranged appointment.
(4)
Produce that was grown on the premises.
(5)
Yard sales or garage sales which occur solely on an individual's private property and have no more than six days per year total.
(6)
Outdoor, on-premises business displays (sidewalk sales); not to exceed three feet from the front wall of the business, and arranged to minimize obstruction of the walkway.
(7)
A fund-raising activity conducted by an organization, on its own property, for a charitable cause.
(8)
A promotional activity conducted by a business that involves celebrities, such as sports or entertainment celebrities; or costumed individuals, such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and various other costumed animals, that are used solely to attract customers, as long as such activity does not occur within the public right-of-way or does not block vehicular access.
(9)
Any temporary business that is conducted within the interior of an existing store or business office. Note: Such temporary businesses are responsible for obtaining a zoning permit if a change of use is to occur.