Politics & Government

Soliciting in Yorkville: Applying for a Permit and Soliciting Restrictions

How solicitors can obtain permits and soliciting hours.

Most everyone has likely at one point been visited by a solicitor at home, whether that solicitor be Girl Scouts selling cookies, students or athletes from a local school or a merchant/peddler of various goods.

Earlier this week a Yorkville resident posted to the boards a community alert regarding a solicitor that made her uncomfortable and seemed to be seeking information about her children and other neighborhood children. 

Since that post the solicitor in question has had their solicitor's permit revoked after numerous complaints from other residents came in, said Yorkville Police Chief Rich Hart. 

In light of this, some have wondered how exactly one goes about getting a permit. According to Yorkville City Code a permit can be acquired by applying through the City Clerk in this application.

The application includes a brief description of the nature of the business, the period of time for which the certificate is requested, and the individual's Illinois Business Tax Number among other provisions. No certificate will be issued to any person convicted of a felony within the last five years to date of the application. 

Solicitors pay a $100 application fee per application, although no fee will be charged if the solicitor is working for a religious, educational or charitable organization where said organization is considered a non-profit and has a tax exempt status.

Within 10 days of applying the City Clerk will either approve or deny the application. 

Residents may restrict solicitation by posting a "no solicitors invited" sign or posting set soliciting hours. In the city of Yorkville solicitors may not visit any residence prior to 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m. during the week, prior to 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on Saturday and no soliciting is allowed on Sunday.

It is unlawful for solicitors to visit residences during these times or residences where a "no solicitors invited" sign is displayed.

Any solicitor who is asked to leave the premises by the homeowner is asked to comply. This is stated in full in section 3-7-7 of the code: "Any hawker or solicitor who has gained entrance to or who is on any premises, whether invited or not, shall immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so by the owner or resident."

You can read the full code on soliciting here.  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here