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1. What is the difference between Peddlers, Solicitors, Transient Merchants and Mobile Vendors?

Peddler: A person who goes location to location physically selling goods. (i.e., food,
merchandise, etc.) Peddlers seek out customers, and are not stopped or parked waiting
for customers to come to them.

Solicitor: A person who goes location to location soliciting donations (other than for
political campaigns,) or taking “orders” for goods/services that will be delivered on a
later date.

Transient Merchant: A person who temporarily sells and delivers goods while using or
occupying private property, a vacant lot, parking lot, motor vehicle, trailer, structure,
tent or portable shelter.

Mobile Vendor: A person who sells food or goods from a vehicle, trailer or cart within
the City, and temporarily uses or occupies any street or right-of way. A mobile vendor
may also operate on private property under specific circumstances and if they adhere to
City ordinance.

2. When are Peddlers and Solicitors allowed to come to my house?

Peddlers and solicitors can come to a home or business between 9 a.m. and a half-hour
after sunset (but no later than 8 p.m.)

3. I don’t want Peddlers and Solicitors at my home. What can I do?

Residents or businesses that do not wish to have peddlers or solicitors come to their
home can download a “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited” sign. It is illegal for a person to peddle or solicit where the sign is posted. "Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited" Sign

4. Do Peddlers, Solicitors, Transient Merchants and Mobile Vendors need a permit?

Commercial peddlers or solicitors, transient merchants, and mobile vendors need a permit issued by the City before operating and will then receive a City-issued ID. Noncommercial solicitors (i.e. soliciting for religious, political, social or other ideological beliefs and non-profit activities) do not need a permit, but must provide the City with a list of the full names and birth dates of individuals going door-to-door, wear or display identification, and abide by City Code. Permits expire on Dec. 31 of the year issued.

View permit fees

5. Where can Transient Merchants and Mobile Vendors set up shop?

A transient merchant (who will be set up for multiple days) can conduct business on
private property after receiving permission from the property owner and a “Conditional
Use Permit” from the City in addition to registering their business.

Mobile vendors can conduct business on private property (except for retail property)
without a “Conditional Use Permit” if they operate only during normal business hours
and do not park or occupy space overnight. Registration with the City is required.

Mobile vendors are also allowed in specific locations in the Public Right of Way and in City Parks, but again, must first register with the City.

6. I am a Peddler/Solicitor. What kind of permit/approval do I need?

All peddlers/solicitors (except for those soliciting for religious, political, social or other ideological beliefs and non-profit activities) must complete a “City of Burnsville Peddler, Solicitor, Transient Merchant & Mobile Vendor Registration Form.” (Available online or at the Burnsville Police Department.) Noncommercial solicitors do not need to complete a “City of Burnsville Peddler, Solicitor, Transient Merchant & Mobile Vendor Registration" form, but must provide the City with a list of the full names and birth dates of individuals going door-to-door, and wear an identifying badge or ID at all times

City of Burnsville Peddler, Solicitor, Transient M

7. I am a Transient Merchant/Mobile Vendor. What kind of permit/approval do I need?

Transient merchants and mobile vendors must complete a “City of Burnsville Peddler, Solicitor, Transient Merchant & Mobile Vendor Registration Form.” Transient merchants who will be at a location for multiple days must first obtain a “Conditional Use Permit” from the City of Burnsville Planning Department. Mobile vendors must provide a “Certificate of Insurance” naming the City as an additional insured and provide a copy of a Minnesota Department of Health/Department of Agriculture license with their application (if serving food.) Refer to the Burnsville City Code or contact the Burnsville Police Department for coverage minimums. If catering a private outdoor residential event, mobile vendors also need a City “Block Party” permit. If catering a special event sponsored by a business or retail property, mobile vendors will also need a City “Special Event” permit. If operating in a City park, mobile vendors will also need a “Park Mobile Vending” permit.

Additional Information

8. What other rules apply to Mobile Vending?

Mobile vendors must:
• Post their City of Burnsville Mobile Vending license on their vehicle, trailer, or
cart and visible to the purchasing public
• Only operate between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., with 30 minutes before and 30 minutes
after allowed for setup and teardown
• Occupy no more than two parking stalls
• Make sure their customer window faces the curb
• If serving food, have known facilities in the vending area for restrooms
• Provide trash & recycle receptacles for customers – receptacles must be removed
when mobile vendor relocates
• Never block or impede traffic flow