Council adopts changes to hawkers/peddlers law, adds address‑based no‑knock registry and per‑infraction fine

The Richmond Town Council adopted amendments to the town code that regulate door‑to‑door sales by establishing an address‑based “no‑knock” registry, setting quarterly distribution requirements for the list, and adding an enforcement fine per infraction.

Under the adopted changes, a single household member’s registration places the entire address on the no‑knock list, which the town will provide to licensed solicitors and law enforcement on a quarterly schedule. Councilors explained that administrative quarterly updates allow residents who register mid‑term to be included at the next scheduled distribution. The ordinance also gives the town administrator discretion to waive a first violation in cases of misunderstanding or clerical error.

In discussion about fines, one councilor moved to add a per‑infraction fine of $250; other members argued for a higher penalty (one councilor suggested $500) to make enforcement “painful” enough to deter repeated violations. The motion to add a $250 per‑infraction fine (with the ordinance otherwise amended to include quarterly updates and an opt‑out by address) passed on roll call.

Councilors and members of the public also debated implementation details such as how often a solicitor would receive updated lists, whether signage and house numbering responsibilities should fall to residents, and protections for delivery workers who may inadvertently trigger complaints. The council directed staff to return a cleaner consolidated ordinance draft incorporating the amendments.