Council considers NOPEC ‘no-knock’ registry to curb door-to-door utility and solicitor sales
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Summary
Councilmembers discussed a proposed ordinance to join a NOPEC-managed no-solicitation registry that would prevent registered addresses from being approached by door-to-door vendors and energy solicitors; the mayor said the ordinance will be administered by the Code Office and NOPEC materials have already been reviewed
The Planning and Development Committee reviewed a proposed "no-knock" or no-solicitation program administered through NOPEC to limit door-to-door vendor and utility solicitations in Athens.
Councilmember Swank introduced the policy and explained the program would allow residents to register a preference not to be solicited; registered addresses would be shared with vendors who hold peddler, solicitor or vendor permits, and code enforcement would treat solicitation at a listed address as a violation.
The mayor noted the registry would apply to any permitted solicitor and would be enforced through the city permit process. He urged residents to report unregistered solicitors through the city app or the Code Office.
Public commenters asked how the city would reach itinerant or storm-related vendors and how to encourage door-to-door sellers to register. Staff said outreach and public information would be part of implementation; the Code Office maintains the permitting system vendors must use and would be the enforcement point.
Councilmembers said they had received constituent requests for a no-knock program and supported moving the ordinance forward; the draft ordinance prepared with NOPEC and the law director will return to council for introduction and final action.