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West Chester committee debates ordinance to require permits for street vendors and limit solicitors
Summary
Committee members reviewed a proposed amendment to Chapter 80 that would require borough licensing for pedaling and solicitation, expand permitting to moving street sellers, and impose limits on public collections; members questioned exemptions for registered charities and food vendors and agreed to revisit enforcement details with the solicitor present.
The West Chester Public Safety Committee examined a proposed amendment to Chapter 80 that would expand permitting requirements to cover pedaling, soliciting and vendors who move along streets rather than remain stationary.
Committee members said the draft would require sellers who walk the sidewalks and sell goods to obtain a borough license and permit. Staff emphasized that food vendors and food trucks are handled under an upcoming food-truck/parking ordinance and that enforcement responsibilities could involve both the police and building and housing divisions depending on the activity.
Members raised concerns about exemptions in the draft. John OBrien, executive director of Downtown West Chester, urged the committee to narrow exemptions for charities, saying national charitable canvassers"come in every weekend" and can be aggressive when soliciting. "They're setting up right in front of the entryway of businesses," OBrien said, and he recommended the borough require charities to apply for the permit so staff can track prior visits.
Other questions addressed whether farmers selling their own produce or youth fundraisers would remain exempt; staff noted some customary exemptions for farmers and for youth sales tied to recognized organizations but committee members suggested tightening language and considering an adult-supervision requirement for minors.
Committee members also discussed how enforcement would work on busy weekend evenings and whether police or building and housing should take primary responsibility; staff said police can enforce borough ordinances when needed but the building and housing department has primary code-enforcement expertise for some vendor-related rules. The committee agreed to ask the borough solicitor, Kristen, to return next week with revised language and to include the item on a work-session agenda for fuller review.
