Council discusses vendor-permit process; staff to explore public permit listings
Loading...
Summary
Councilmembers discussed concerns about door-to-door vendors and asked staff to create a public listing of active permits; staff described the permitting steps, background checks and limits on permits per company.
Councilmembers raised concerns about door-to-door vendors and asked staff to consider posting an online list of active permits so residents can verify legitimate vendors.
City staff said the permit process now routes vendor applications through planning to check zoning consistency and then to the police department for individual background checks. Staff said permits include listed names of persons authorized to solicit and that vendors are required to carry a copy of the permit while soliciting. The council discussed limits on how many permits a company can receive; staff said the current rule limits the number issued per application (two per application, which staff described as effectively limiting the number that can operate concurrently). Staff also said permits can be revoked if complaints arise. The permit duration was discussed as possibly six months but may be one year; staff said they would clarify.
Council directed staff to work on ways to publicize active permits and to notify existing permit holders when terms are expiring so those who want to continue can reapply.
