Solicitation and Canvassing

If you are engaging in Commercial Solicitation, you are required to register with the West Springfield Police Department and obtain an official Town Identification Card ("ID Card") before operating.

Commercial solicitation includes any person, hawker, peddler, or transient vendor making door-to-door requests to:

• Sell, lease, rent, or take orders for goods or services for profit.

• Schedule future sales presentations.

• Obtain customer information for commercial purposes.

Permit Application Details

• Timeline: Applications must be submitted to the Chief of Police at least one (1) week in advance of the planned activity.

• Fee: A $25 application fee is required.

• Background Check: The Police Department will conduct a records check for outstanding warrants or felony convictions (violent or fraud-related) within the past 10 years.

• ID Display: While soliciting, the Town-issued ID Card must be conspicuously worn and displayed upon request.

• Expiration & Renewal: Permits are valid from the date of issuance through March 31 of the following year. Annual renewals must be completed on or before April 1.

All commercial solicitors must strictly adhere to the following time, place, and manner restrictions:

• Allowed Hours: Solicitation is only permitted between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• "No Soliciting" Signs: You are strictly prohibited from knocking, ringing doorbells, or entering properties that display "No Soliciting," "No Sales," "Do Not Knock," or "No Trespassing" signs.

• Do-Not-Solicit Registry: The Town Clerk maintains an official Do-Not-Solicit registry. Registered solicitors will receive an electronic copy and must respect these properties.

Prohibited Conduct

While soliciting, it is unlawful to:

• Misrepresent your identity, your employer, or falsely claim Town endorsement.

• Remain on a property after the resident has asked you to leave or indicated they are not interested.

• Use aggressive, harassing, deceptive, or threatening practices.

• Conduct sales to minors under 18 years old without a parent or guardian present.

• Fail to provide a written receipt and a consumer right-to-cancel notice.

The permit and ID requirements do not apply to individuals engaged in non-commercial speech, provided they respect "No Soliciting" signs and general laws. Exempt groups include:

• Non-Commercial Canvassing: Political campaigns, electioneering, signature gathering, religious proselytizing, and distributing literature.

• Charitable Solicitations: Representatives requesting donations for registered 501(c) non-profit organizations where no goods or services are sold for profit.

• Town-Affiliated Groups: Public schools, school-affiliated organizations (such as PTOs or booster clubs), and municipal departments on official business.

• Official Business: Federal, state, or county officials, and standard delivery services (e.g., mail, newspapers).

• By Appointment: Anyone visiting a residence by prior arrangement or express invitation of the occupant.

• Penalties: Violations of this ordinance are subject to non-criminal fines of up to $300 per violation, per day. Each unlawful residential contact can count as a separate violation.

• Permit Revocation: The Police Chief may deny, suspend, or revoke an ID card due to application misrepresentation, code violations, or public safety risks.

• Appeals: If a permit is denied, suspended, or revoked, the applicant has ten (10) business days to file a written appeal with the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk will issue a final written decision within 15 business days of receiving the appeal.