Buda Suspends Solicitor Permits, Door-to-Door Marketing Practices During COVID

BUDA, TX –The Buda City Council has adopted an ordinance to suspend the issuance of solicitor permits and door-to-door marketing practices until further notice.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, door-to-door marketing practices present a unique challenge when it comes to social distancing requirements and conduct of non-essential business under the Governor’s various orders and the City’s disaster declaration. 

The ordinance suspends all in-person, door-to-door marketing practices during the term of the COVID-19 pandemic and declared a state of public disaster in the City of Buda.

This includes, but is not limited to, permits for peddlers and solicitors.

Violation of the ordinance will result in a Class C Misdemeanor offense and carry a fine of no more than $500 for each offense. Each violation is considered a separate offense.     

It is unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to engage in business within the City without first obtaining a permit from the City Clerks office. There are NO active solicitor permits.    

To report an unpermitted solicitor, please contact the Buda Police Department at 512-393-7896.

Under the City of Buda’s Solicitor Ordinance, there are permit exemptions, which can be found here.

Permit Exemptions

If soliciting under one of the exempt provisions, they are REQUIRED to wear a mask and maintain social distancing under the Governor’s Executive Order No. GA-29 and No GA-28.

The following are excluded from permitting provisions of this section:
(1) Persons who sell agricultural products that were raised or grown themselves.
(2) Interruption of service notices by utility companies or governmental notices by the city.
(3) Political speech or canvassers who attempt only to distribute handbills or to solicit
political support or to determine opinions or sentiments.
(4) Persons conducting solicitation activities for a school-sponsored event or program, a
sporting or cultural organization created specifically to benefit the youth of the community,
scouting groups, or other similar organizations.
(5) A canvasser as defined in subsection (b) of the solicitor ordinance.