Permit Process

Every person/company requesting permission to conduct a Door-to-Door Solicitation will be required to complete an application. Upon completion of the application, the applicant must also provide a Criminal History Background Check provided by the Pennsylvania State Police. https://epatch.state.pa.us.

Effective August 1, 2013: The City of Warren Police Department will require the Notarized Copy of the Criminal History Record Check in order to obtain your permit. The Notarization MUST be completed by the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system. The Pennsylvania State Police Record Check will cost $15.00 and will be accepted up to 6 months from the date of the record check.

A photocopy of a valid Driver’s License or State Issued ID is required with the completed application. 

Note: A prior conviction of a misdemeanor or a felony will cause an immediate Denial of the Permit.  

Applicants must apply for their own background check. The City WILL NOT perform this check. 

Upon issuance of the permit, it must be exhibited when requested to do so by any prospective customer or City Employee. Also, all approved permits will be provided on the City of Warren Website. Included will be a photo of the approved solicitor, business information, as well as the date of expiration of the permit.

Processing of Permits: Once all information has been obtained it can take up to five (5) business days to process your application. Do not return to claim your permit until you have been contacted by the City. 

Cost of Permits: Cost of all permits will be in accordance with the current fee resolution. (Ord. 1603) and is per person. Applications are updated annually with the correct fee listed.

Denial of Permit: The City Manager or their designee may refuse to issue a permit to the applicant for any of the following reasons:

  • The location and time of solicitation or peddling would endanger the safety and welfare of the solicitors, peddlers, or their customers.
  • An investigation reveals that the applicant falsified information on the application.
  • The applicant has been convicted of a felony, any misdemeanor or violation of any statute involving a sex offense, trafficking in controlled substances or any violent act against persons or property.
  • The applicant is a person against whom a judgment based upon, or conviction for, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation has been made.
  • There is no proof as to the authority of the applicant to serve as an agent to the principal.
  • The applicant has been denied a permit within the immediate past year, unless the applicant can and does show to the satisfaction of the City Manager that the reasons for such earlier denial no longer exist.

The City Manager’s denial and the reasons shall be noted on the application. The applicant shall be notified that his/her application is denied and that no permit will be issued. Notice shall be mailed to the applicant at the address shown on the application form. (Ord. 1603, 306)

Permit Revocation: Any permit issued may be revoked or suspended by the City Manager or his designee, after notice and hearing for any of the following reasons:

  • Fraud, misrepresentation, or false statement contained in the application for a permit.
  • Fraud, misrepresentation, or false statement made by the applicant in the course of conducting solicitation or peddling activities.
  • Conducting peddling or solicitation activities contrary to the provisions contained in the permit.
  • Conviction for any crime involving moral turpitude.
  • Conducting peddling or solicitation activities in such a manner as to create a public nuisance constitute a breach of the peace or endanger the health, safety, or general welfare of the public. (Ord. 1603, 311)

Permit Expiration:  All permits shall expire based upon the current fee resolution and the corresponding amount paid.