Soliciting

A permit is required for solicitation including, but not limited to, solicitation at intersections and door-to-door.

Intersection Solicitation

Intersection solicitation is standing in or on the public right-of-way for the purpose of soliciting contributions from the occupant of any vehicle. In order to participate in an intersection solicitation fundraiser within the City of Oak Forest, you are required to have a permit.

Ordinance No. 2011-09-0352O

Permits for soliciting in the public right-of-way shall be used for no more than two 12-hour periods each calendar year. Soliciting is permitted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The mayor or his/her designee shall have the authority to revoke the permit to solicit contributions. He or she, in their sole discretion, may order any and all of the applicant’s agents to cease all activity at any time if weather conditions become hazardous and/ or inclement, or if the soliciting agents fail to comply with the requirements of this application and/or applicable regulations. 

Obtaining a Permit

The following items (numbered) need to be submitted to the Clerk’s Office:

  1. Application
  2. A copy of current 501 (C) (3) letter recognizing the organization as tax exempt
  3. A copy of paid Liability Insurance policy or Certificate of Insurance in the amount of no less than $1,000,000.00
  4. Signed Waiver of Liability for each person soliciting on behalf of the organization
  5. List of names indicating all members of the organization who will be soliciting funds

Questions? Contact the Clerk's Office at 708-687-4050.

Door-to-Door Solicitation

A door-to-door solicitor is anyone who goes upon any premises in the city, not having been invited by the occupant, for the purpose of taking or attempting to take orders for the sale of goods, merchandise, wares, or other personal property of any nature for future delivery, or for services to be performed in the future. Solicitors must obtain a license from the Clerk's Office.

Door-to-Door Solicitation Permit Application

For more information about acquiring a permit, contact the Clerk's Office at 708-687-4050.

Things to note about door-to-door solicitation:

  • Approved solicitors are required to wear a city-issued badge while soliciting. They must display the badge upon request from a resident or business owner.
  • Soliciting is not permitted between the hours of 9 p.m. and 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Sundays.
  • Soliciting is not allowed at residences or businesses if a “NO SOLICITORS” sign has been posted on the residence or business. "No Soliciting" stickers are available for free at the Clerk's Office. 
  • Any solicitor who has gained entrance to any residence or business, whether invited or not, must immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so by the resident or business owner.  Residents and business owners are encouraged to call the police non-emergency number at 708-687-1376 if they encounter any problems.  

Read the city code concerning solicitation.