PEDDLERS AND SIMILAR ACTIVITY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. I am interested in selling items around town, possibly at different locations and events, what is
needed?
There is a "Peddlers" license for a person/business that "goes from place to place, with a product for sale."
Those taking orders for a later delivery, nonprofits and those who DO NOT “go from place to place” are NOT
REQUIRED to secure this license, but some still choose to secure the peddlers license. In addition, depending
on the particular type of product, there might be an additional license required, for example, for fireworks contact
the Duluth Fire Department, for food contact the Minnesota Department of Health. Also, depending on the
product, it might be subject to City of Duluth Sales Tax.
2. What are the restrictions as to where a person can sell, regardless of needing a license or not?
You CANNOT be on private property without their permission. In addition, you cannot be on the Corps of
Engineers’ property adjacent to the Aerial Lift Bridge. If on public streets or sidewalks you CANNOT interfere
with either vehicular or pedestrian traffic, that is, you CANNOT be “set-up” in one location and “plug” the parking
meter, you must continue to move from place to place. (Note: The whole bricked area in Canal Park, bordered
by Canal Park Drive, Buchanan Street and Lake Avenue is a public area, and you CANNOT be “set-up,” you
must keep moving.) For public property other than public streets or sidewalks, one needs permission from the
City Property Manager. Peddler permits cannot be used in public parks.
3. When there is something like Sidewalk Days or Grandma’s Marathon when the public streets are
closed are there any further restrictions?
If there is an approved special events permit for an area (i.e. Sidewalk Days, Grandma's Marathon, etc.) a
person/business interested in selling items must get permission from the holder of the approved special events
permit to sell in the special events permit area.
4. What are the regulations relative to Bayfront Festival Park?
In the case of large events, such as Fourth Fest or the Blues Fest, the approved promoter has the authority for
approving what vendors are at the specific events.
Buskering, which is providing “entertainment,” is allowed only in designated areas of the Lakewalk and in Lake
Place Park with an approved permit from the Parks and Recreation Division.
5. Contact Information:
City Clerk 730-5500 City Parks & Recreation 730-4300
City Property Manager 730-4434 City Sales Tax 730-5350
City Fire Department 730-4394 City Licensing Officer 730-5421
Minnesota Department of Health 723-4642 City Parking Manager 730-5178
Updated 11/29/2012