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Council directs staff to draft ‘no‑knock’ registry and review door‑to‑door licensing amid legal concerns
Summary
Council authorized staff to draft a no‑knock registry and to review Chapter 5.2 licensing rules after a lengthy debate about residents' privacy, First Amendment limits and the administrative burden of maintaining a registry.
The Richmond Town Council authorized staff and legal counsel to draft a possible 'no‑knock' registry and to review amendments to licensing rules in chapter 5.2 that would address door‑to‑door solicitation.
Councilor Palmachano presented a compromise approach he called a no‑knock registry: an opt‑in list residents can use to state they do not want door‑to‑door solicitation at their address, combined with a licensing system for solicitors that would include visible lanyards and a permit to be carried while soliciting. Palmachano said the registry would be managed by the clerk’s office and provided to licensed solicitors so they can avoid properties on the list.
Legal counsel briefed councilors on litigation risk for a wholesale ban on door‑to‑door solicitation, pointing to First Amendment considerations. Several residents and councilors raised concerns about administrative complexity and enforcement: a resident warned that if lists are not current, solicitors could unknowingly approach listed homes, generating complaints and potential fines.
Councilor Palmachano summarized the practical compromise: “If you don't want this to happen, you fill out a form, you give your name, and boom, they don't come to your house,” he said. Councilors asked staff to include carve‑outs for nonprofits and political activity as is common in other municipalities and to consider timing rules (cut‑off/processing windows) so newly registered properties are not enforced immediately.
After questions and public comment, councilors amended a motion so staff would draft a no‑knock registry ordinance and incorporate chapter 5.2 licensing questions; the amended motion passed by roll call. Staff said any ordinance would need clear deadlines for list updates, an enforcement and penalty framework, and exemptions for constitutionally protected activities.
Next steps: town staff and the solicitor will draft ordinance language and recommended license procedures, fees and exemptions for council review and public hearing preparation.
