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Council tables overhaul of peddlers and solicitors ordinance for committee review
Summary
Council held a first reading of Ordinance 29-2024 to replace the peddlers and solicitors code, raised questions about canvassing and permitted hours, and agreed to table the ordinance for committee-of-the-whole review ahead of a December vote.
Council members took a first reading of Ordinance 29-2024, a comprehensive update to Chapter 854 of Woodlawn's code covering peddlers, canvassers and solicitors, then agreed to delay final action for further committee review.
The law director summarized the proposed changes, explaining the ordinance would classify three groups: canvassers (door-to-door advocacy), noncommercial solicitors (e.g., nonprofit fundraisers, school raffles) and commercial solicitors. He described protections for First Amendment activity while adding identification requirements, permitted hours and a permit and background-check pathway for commercial solicitors.
Council members pressed for clarifications. One member asked whether campaign canvassing would require a permit; the law director replied canvassers and noncommercial solicitors need only carry and produce identification, not obtain a permit. Members also questioned the proposed hours and whether a 9 p.m. limit was appropriate; one council member called 9 p.m. "a bit late" and asked for additional committee discussion. The mayor suggested tabling the matter and taking the ordinance to the committee of the whole so council questions can be resolved before a December vote to allow an effective date in January.
The council agreed to table the ordinance for additional committee review and discussion at the next scheduled committee-of-the-whole meeting.
