House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond - City of Chico, CA in California

Brief Summary

Chico will not issue a door-to-door permit until the Finance Office has a $1,000 bond on file that the City Attorney has approved. The premium is a small fraction of that amount, the bond is usually issued the same day, and it travels with your application to the Finance Office at 411 Main Street.

Chico Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 requires anyone going house to house in Chico to sell goods or services, or take orders for them, to hold a permit backed by a $1,000 surety bond. Children under 16 and people soliciting as agents of a charitable organization do not need a permit. The bond and a $13 nonrefundable application fee are due when you apply.

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How to Apply for a House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond:

• Check whether you are exempt. Applicants under 16 and agents of a charitable organization do not need a permit.
• Complete Section I of the city application in ink, listing your residences for the past five years and the dates you plan to solicit.
• Obtain the $1,000 bond naming the City of Chico as obligee.
• Pay the $13 nonrefundable application fee.
• Return the signed application and bond to the Finance Office, 411 Main Street, 1st Floor.
• Pay the Chico business license tax for yourself or your firm.

Detailed Information About the California House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond:

Who needs the permit

Chapter 5.24 of the Chico Municipal Code covers house-to-house peddling and soliciting. If you carry goods door to door or take orders for goods or services at people's homes, you need a permit from the Finance Office. The city's application lists two groups that do not: persons under 16 years of age, and people soliciting as an agent or representative of a charitable organization.

What the bond covers

Section 5.24.100 sets the bond at $1,000. The applicant is the principal. The obligees are the City of Chico and any Chico resident who orders goods or services from the applicant. The bond guarantees that you follow Chapter 5.24, the terms of your permit, and the terms of any oral or written order you take. A customer who pays and never receives what was promised has a right of action on the bond. The surety must be licensed in California and carry a Best's rating of at least B.

Details applicants miss

The permit expires when the bond is cancelled, so letting the bond lapse ends your right to solicit. The permit is not transferable and covers only the dates you list on the application. Soliciting is allowed only from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first. Every order must be written in duplicate, showing the terms and any deposit, with one copy left with the buyer. The permit is valid only if you or your firm has paid the Chico business license tax. The Police Department runs a background check before the Finance Director acts on the application.

Eligibility and Requirements for a California House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond:

• Bond amount of $1,000 under Chico Municipal Code 5.24.100.
• Surety licensed in California with a Best's rating of at least B.
• Bond reviewed and approved by the City Attorney before the permit issues.
• Police Department background check on the applicant.
• Bond kept in force for as long as you solicit, since the permit ends when the bond is cancelled.

California House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the California House to House Peddling and Soliciting Permit ($1,000) Bond: