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Winnebago County Board adopts ordinance limiting door-to-door solicitation in unincorporated areas
Summary
The Winnebago County Board voted to adopt an ordinance restricting door-to-door solicitation in unincorporated areas, setting hours and requiring a free registration with the county clerk; political canvassing, charitable and religious activities are exempted. One member urged a layover but the measure passed after rules were suspended.
The Winnebago County Board voted to adopt an ordinance regulating door-to-door solicitation in the county’s unincorporated areas after a period of debate about scope and exemptions.
The ordinance, approved after the board suspended rules to allow immediate consideration, restricts the hours that solicitors may ring doorbells, requires a free registration or permit with the county clerk, and is explicitly not intended to prohibit political canvassing, charitable activities such as Girl Scout sales, or religious outreach. Chairing remarks indicated the measure is intended as a deterrent to high-pressure or persistent approaches to residents.
“What this is is a no solicitation for the unincorporated parts of Winnebago County,” said Mr. McCarthy, summarizing the ordinance as targeted to unincorporated areas that lack municipal regulations. Mr. Arena, who moved for approval, said the text was “intended to be people coming to your door and trying to sell you something,” and cited resident concerns about persistent solicitors.
Several board members said the county modeled the ordinance on language used by other Illinois counties and that the county’s state's attorney and staff worked on a red-line draft before the meeting. Miss Vernon noted the ordinance includes a section addressing First Amendment concerns; she said political signature gathering and petition circulators are not restricted.
Some members sought additional specificity. Angela (board member) said she was concerned about potential burdens on free speech and on young volunteers who might sell fundraising items; staff and proponents clarified the ordinance exempts political and many charitable activities.
The board approved the ordinance by voice vote. The chair directed that the county clerk administer the free registration process for solicitors and that staff ensure public information clarifies the exemptions and permitted hours.
The ordinance takes effect according to the schedule in the text adopted by the board; the clerk’s office will publish registration instructions and the permitted solicitation times.
