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The following message is an update to a previously-sent message from Upper Dublin Township regarding Solicitation & Working America in Upper Dublin Township.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Upper Dublin Police Department on their non-emergency line: 215-646-2101.
Solicitation & Peddling Background Information:
Upper Dublin Township Board of Commissioners passed Ordinance #197, amended by Ordinances #1112, #09-1211, and #15-1297 related to Peddling and Soliciting in the Township. The Ordinances passed by the Township require persons who go upon residential property or public property seeking to take orders for goods, wares or merchandise (i.e., subscriptions for magazines or other printed materials; or contracts for home and building devices, repairs or improvements), to first apply for a Peddling and Soliciting license with the Upper Dublin Police Department. Upon receiving a license, these persons are provided with a list of residents who have registered with the Police Department that they do not wish to be solicited for these purposes.
Please understand that the Upper Dublin Code is directed to “peddling and soliciting” as defined above. It is not directed to “canvassers” or persons who come to your door to distribute information or promote a cause. Those persons/groups have a constitutional right to do so and do not have to be licensed by the Township. Additionally, the Code is not directed to those who solicit contributions for charities registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State. However, Pennsylvania State law prohibits any person from remaining on your property once they are notified, including by a posted sign, that they are not invited to be there.
Charity Organizations:
Charities sometimes notify the Police Department that they will be canvassing and/or soliciting charitable contributions in the community. One such notification has recently been received from an organization called Working America. Their stated intent is to canvass in the community for the next several months to distribute information concerning their organization and to seek memberships. They are a charity registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Their activity is permitted by Pennsylvania State law without Township licensure and they are not required to respect the “do not solicit” list, which has been provided to them, nor the window cling presented on residential property.
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