Gastonia, North Carolina: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: No city permit in the code. Gastonia's old Solicitors and Peddlers division in Chapter 8 was repealed by Ord. 26-856, adopted July 21, 2026, and the division now reads "Reserved" (Chapter 8, Division 4, editor's note). The same ordinance added a conduct rule for solicitors and peddlers in Chapter 5 (5-28).
• Where it comes from: Nothing to apply for under the city code after the repeal. Questions go to the City Clerk — see the City Clerk Call Sheet.
• Fee: None in the code — the division that held the permit was repealed on July 21, 2026.
• Hours you may knock: The code sets no knocking hours for solicitors or peddlers; the new section 5-28 regulates signs and leaving when asked, not times.
• What the rep carries: Nothing required by the code after the repeal.
• What takes the time: No city permit process in the code.
• Code: Gastonia Code of Ordinances, Chapter 5 — General offenses, Sec. 5-28 Uninvited soliciting or peddling (Ord. 26-856, effective 7/21/2026); Chapter 8 — Trades and businesses, Division 4 Reserved (repealed by the same ordinance). Read on enCodePlus.
• Worth knowing: A solicitor or peddler may not enter private premises posted "No Peddlers" or "No Solicitors" (or similar words) at the entry, and must leave immediately and peacefully when an occupant asks (5-28(a), (b)). The code defines a peddler as anyone who, without invitation, travels door-to-door offering goods or services for sale (5-28(c)). It is also unlawful for a company to instruct, direct or organize anyone to break the rule (5-28(d)). Penalties: first violation a warning, second violation $250 civil penalty, third and later $500 civil penalty, plus possible injunction (5-28(e), (f)).
• Read it yourself: Gastonia Code, Chapter 8 — Trades and businesses (Division 4 Reserved, editor's note) · Gastonia Code, Chapter 5 — General offenses, Sec. 5-28 Uninvited soliciting or peddling · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Confirm that no city permit or registration is needed for door-to-door sales since Ord. 26-856 (July 21, 2026)
• Whether any knocking hours apply under another city rule
• Whether the police department wants to be notified before a team works a neighborhood

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________