Peddler guidelines

A peddler's license is required for the itinerant or transient sale or bartering of goods, merchandise, or services to the consuming public in the City and County of Denver. Licensed peddlers can sell items and goods at public events. DRMC §47-16.

The Department will provide peddlers with a license and a photo ID card. The photo ID card must be worn on the outside of the peddler's clothing and must be visible while engaging in peddling activity. Upon demand, the peddler must present the license card for inspection by an inspector, law enforcement officer, or any customer or potential customer. DRMC §47-32.

All goods and/or products must be carried on an individual peddler's person. They cannot be carried, displayed, or stored in or on any carts, dollies, tables, wagons, coolers, or similar devices. DRMC §47-16

Disabled peddlers can petition the Director, in writing, for an exemption from the prohibition against the use of carts, dollies, wagons, or any other wheeled devices. The petitioner must prove:

• The petitioner's qualification under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, by a written letter from a licensed physician attesting that the petitioner has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• The petitioner's need for the specific accommodation requested.

Upon verification that the petitioner has established both above prerequisites, the Director may grant an exemption that allows only the following:

• The disabled peddler can use one cart, dolly, wagon, or other wheeled device; and
• The disabled peddler can only carry the quantity of goods and/or merchandise that the peddler reasonably would be able to carry on the peddler's person, but for the disability.

All petitions must include:

• A photograph of the proposed cart, dolly, wagon, or wheeled device.
• A written description of the size and dimensions of the proposed wheeled device.
• A written explanation of the intended manner and method of its use.

In deciding whether to grant the petition, the Director can consider whether the proposed cart, dolly, or wheeled device might have a negative impact upon public health, welfare, or safety. Or whether the proposed cart, dolly, or wheeled device might block or interfere with the public's use of the right-of-way. The Director may seek the advice and consent of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure in deciding whether to grant the petition, to deny the petition, or to grant the petition with written limitations upon the manner, method, or location of the proposed device's use.

Peddlers must engage in roaming sales and cannot occupy any one location while engaged in peddler activity. Nor can peddlers set up, display, or exhibit their goods and merchandise at any one location. Peddlers can stop to make or complete one sale. But after the sale is complete, the peddler must resume roaming.

For purposes of this requirement, "roaming" means to move about or travel aimlessly or unsystematically, especially over a wide area. Shuffling from foot-to-foot or walking in a tight circle does not constitute "roaming."

The use of devices, such as carts, dollies, wagons, tables, or any other equipment is prohibited. Any use of such devices or the peddler's failure to engage in roaming sales could constitute a license violation and could also result in a criminal citation. If a peddler blocks or otherwise interferes with the free and uninterrupted path of pedestrians entering and/or exiting a building or other facility, the peddler could face additional criminal citations. The maximum penalty for violations of the Denver Revised Municipal Code is a $999 fine and one year in jail.

Any adult peddler employing persons younger than 18 years old must get a sponsor's license ($25 application fee/$500 license fee). This license requires a complete background check. DRMC §47-19.

Persons younger than 18 years old cannot not engage in peddling activity nor may such persons assist a peddler in any manner unless they are:

• Sponsored by a licensed sponsor under DRMC §47-19.
• Wearing identification that displays the names of both the sponsor and the underage person.
• Selling only the following items:
  • Prepackaged candy and snacks.
  • Household items.
  • Novelty items.
  • Hand-crafted items in association with the peddler's sponsorship.

It is unlawful to use any street, alley, sidewalk, parkway, or other public place for the storage of goods, wares, or merchandise. DRMC §49-254.

It is unlawful to post, paint, or attach any handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind upon public property except by permission of the Director of Transportation and Infrastructure or upon private property except by permission of the owner or authorized agent of the property. DRMC §3-1.

Pushcart vendors of non-food items can operate in Denver only if they get a public right-of-way permit for a specific location from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Such pushcart vendors must set up and remain at the specific location identified on the face of the permit. The permit must be always kept with the pushcart. Pushcart vendors of non-food items do not need to get a license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.