Columbia Permit required ordinance (§ 13-227)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article VIII. Solicitors and Canvassers
In short: Solicitors and canvassers must get a city permit before doing business within city limits. Having that permit doesn't excuse them from business license requirements, and a business license fee may be collected from them where lawful.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser, as defined in section 13-226 hereof, to engage in such business within the corporate limits of the city without first obtaining a permit therefor in compliance with the provisions of this article.
(b) The inclusion of an individual or business as a canvasser or solicitor under the coverage of this article shall not exempt that individual or business from the requirements of this chapter regarding business licenses, and a business license fee may be collected from an individual or business involved in canvassing or soliciting where lawful to so do.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-227
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.