Council introduces ordinance tightening rules for solicitors, requiring licenses and background checks

Summary

After a public hearing, the council introduced and waived first reading of ordinance 2025‑03 to amend Chapter 7 of Title 3 of the municipal code; the measure requires solicitor licensing with fingerprint background checks, ID cards, set hours (9 a.m.–7 p.m.), an exemption for under‑18s and a registry for addresses posting no‑solicit signs.

The Lemoore City Council held a public hearing on an amendment to Chapter 7 of Title 3 of the municipal code related to peddlers, solicitors and transient merchants and then introduced and waived first reading of ordinance 2025‑03.

Police staff summarized significant changes that would require prospective solicitors to apply with the police department, submit fingerprints for background checks and wear an issued ID card while soliciting. The ordinance text the chief described would set allowable solicitation hours between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., prohibit solicitation on Sundays and allow residents who display a "no soliciting" sign to request inclusion on a registry posted on the police department website.

A public commenter said he supported the measure based on prior experiences with after‑hours solicitations. After brief council discussion about public notification and the registry, Council member Gornick moved to introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑03; the motion carried on a 5‑0 vote.