Some residents have expressed concern about solicitors in the neighborhood. While some solicitors are legitimate, it is important for you to know that these activities have been linked to criminal activity (i.e. burglary, theft, etc.)in the past. There are currently no state laws or municipal ordinances banning solicitation, however, these activities are regulated by Municipal Codes 250.702 through 250.711. Efforts by citizens to stop such activity in their neighborhoods can be assisted with knowledge of these ordinances.
250.702 states:
Every person desiring to engage in residential soliciting as a commercial or professional solicitor is hereby required to make written application for a permit. Such permit shall be carried by the solicitor.
250.702 states:
A clearly legible notice size shall be exhibited upon or near the main entrance door to the residence, indicating the determination by the occupant, containing the applicable words, similar to the following: "No Solicitors" or "No Solicitors Allowed or Invited" or "No peddlers" or "No peddlers allowed or invited." Any such card so exhibited shall consitute sufficient notice to any solicitor or peddler of the determination by the occupant of the residence that any peddling or soliciting by any person is prohibited at said residence.
250.706 states:
Solicitation shall only be conducted after nine a.m. and before nine p.m.
250.707 states:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of fourteen to engage in residential peddling or solicitation.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to engage in residential peddling or solicitation without direct supervision by a person at least 18 years of age. Direct supervision means the supervising person shall at all times have the minor in sight and shall in no event be more than one hundred feet away from the minor.
It is important to realize that these ordinances target commercial and professional solicitors, and that properly conducted charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic, service, or other such organizations when the proceeds are used exclusively in the charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic and service activities of the organazation are exempt. Parents should, however, be mindful of child safety when selling to strangers.
Additionally, a representative of the neighborhood association may call the occupational licenses office downtown to request that solicitors and peddlers not be allowed to conduct sales activities in their neighborhood.
Once any violation of the listed ordinances occurs, a law enforcement officer may give the solicitor/peddler a written warning to cease the activities. If the solicitor/peddler continues then the officer may make an arrest.
If you have any questions concerning this or any other law enforcement related topic, please feel free to e-mail me at madmax1@mediaone.net.
By Officer B. Whitney (JSO)
250.702 states:
Every person desiring to engage in residential soliciting as a commercial or professional solicitor is hereby required to make written application for a permit. Such permit shall be carried by the solicitor.
250.702 states:
A clearly legible notice size shall be exhibited upon or near the main entrance door to the residence, indicating the determination by the occupant, containing the applicable words, similar to the following: "No Solicitors" or "No Solicitors Allowed or Invited" or "No peddlers" or "No peddlers allowed or invited." Any such card so exhibited shall consitute sufficient notice to any solicitor or peddler of the determination by the occupant of the residence that any peddling or soliciting by any person is prohibited at said residence.
250.706 states:
Solicitation shall only be conducted after nine a.m. and before nine p.m.
250.707 states:
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of fourteen to engage in residential peddling or solicitation.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 to engage in residential peddling or solicitation without direct supervision by a person at least 18 years of age. Direct supervision means the supervising person shall at all times have the minor in sight and shall in no event be more than one hundred feet away from the minor.
It is important to realize that these ordinances target commercial and professional solicitors, and that properly conducted charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic, service, or other such organizations when the proceeds are used exclusively in the charitable, religious, fraternal, youth, civic and service activities of the organazation are exempt. Parents should, however, be mindful of child safety when selling to strangers.
Additionally, a representative of the neighborhood association may call the occupational licenses office downtown to request that solicitors and peddlers not be allowed to conduct sales activities in their neighborhood.
Once any violation of the listed ordinances occurs, a law enforcement officer may give the solicitor/peddler a written warning to cease the activities. If the solicitor/peddler continues then the officer may make an arrest.
If you have any questions concerning this or any other law enforcement related topic, please feel free to e-mail me at madmax1@mediaone.net.
By Officer B. Whitney (JSO)
