Petoskey council opts to monitor door‑to‑door solicitation; staff to remove unsupported application and update code

City councilors and staff spent an extended portion of the meeting reviewing the city’s authority over door‑to‑door solicitation, canvassing and distribution of handbills. Legal counsel explained that political, religious and social canvassers enjoy First Amendment protections that preclude some local permitting or fee requirements; charitable solicitation is governed by state registration rules and may require proof of registration under the Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act.

Council and staff discussed three options: (1) leave door‑to‑door activity unregulated and rely on property owners posting no‑solicit signs; (2) create a voluntary "do not knock" registry that solicitors are expected to avoid; or (3) adopt a local ordinance with a civil‑infraction enforcement mechanism. Several councilors favored a light‑touch approach. Legal counsel said case law supports city‑maintained do‑not‑solicit lists as a defensible option where properly crafted.

Because existing Chapter 3 time‑of‑day and holiday restrictions likely conflict with constitutional protections, council directed staff and legal counsel to remove unconstitutional provisions from the code and return with proposed language. Staff also said they would withdraw an existing city “door‑to‑door” application form that lacks a supporting ordinance. The council asked staff to monitor the problem and report back if complaints spike or enforcement becomes necessary.

What it means: the city will not immediately impose new broad registration or enforcement on canvassers; instead staff will clean outdated or unconstitutional code language, stop using an unsupported application form, and explore less burdensome options (including a do‑not‑knock registry) before bringing any new ordinance to council.