Pharr, Texas: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: The code goes further than a permit. It is unlawful for solicitors of orders, peddlers and transient vendors to go onto private premises to solicit orders or sell without first being requested or invited by the owner or occupant (26-29(a)). Separately, every itinerant or transient vendor needs a permit from the city secretary before selling any product or service (26-46). "Peddler" includes solicitors and anyone in a temporary or transient business taking orders for goods (26-27); a permit authorizes only one person to conduct the business, though that person may have assistants (26-53).
• Where it comes from: The city secretary at city hall, on the city's forms; the police department runs the background inquiry (26-46, 26-50).
• Fee: $50.00 per permit, paid before issuance (26-49). A $2,000.00 bond is also due before the permit issues (26-48).
• Hours you may knock: No peddling between one-half hour before sunset and 8:00 a.m. the next morning, except by specific appointment with or invitation from the customer (26-29(g)).
• What the rep carries: The code requires the permit to be displayed on the sale premises, or in the motor vehicle if one is used (26-55). It sets no badge rule for a rep walking door to door.
• What takes the time: File the sworn application at least ten days before the selling starts (26-47). The police inquiry may take up to seven days (26-50). The applicant is fingerprinted and photographed by the chief of police (26-57). The application also asks for a physician's certificate dated within five days, criminal and fraud history, and the last five cities worked (26-47). A permit lasts no more than 120 days (26-54).
• Code: Pharr Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 — Businesses, Article II — Peddlers (26-26 to 26-60), Ord. No. O-97-24. Municode shows the code codified through Ordinance No. O-2025-35, adopted September 15, 2025 (Supp. No. 44).
• Worth knowing: No entering premises posted "No Peddlers Allowed," "No Solicitations Allowed" or similar (26-29(d)), and a peddler who refuses to leave when told commits a misdemeanor (26-29(c)). Violations carry a fine of not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00, each day a separate offense (26-60).
• Read it yourself: Pharr Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26, Article II — Peddlers · Pharr Code of Ordinances — landing page · checked 22 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether 26-29(a) (no uninvited entry onto private premises) is enforced against permitted door-to-door reps
• Whether each rep needs his own $50.00 permit or can work as an assistant under one permit (26-53)
• Whether the physician's certificate and $2,000.00 bond are still required in practice

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________