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Council reviews peddlers/solicitors rules; staff warns residents to verify permits after storms
Summary
City staff reviewed chapter 723 (peddlers/solicitors) and chapter 1313 contractor permit requirements, urged residents to require permits from door-to-door contractors, and reminded the public they may file a "do not solicit" notice with the police chief.
City legal staff on April 7 reviewed Defiance’s ordinances governing peddlers and solicitors and described enforcement steps for residents in the wake of the recent storms.
Mr. O'Donnell summarized chapter 723 of the codified ordinances, which requires solicitors to complete an application, produce identification and submit fingerprints and background checks before canvassing private residences for commercial sales; he also explained that contractor activity would trigger permitting under chapter 1313. "Those ordinances exist for a reason," Mr. O'Donnell said, urging residents to verify permits before allowing work.
He noted the city maintains a list (filed with the police chief) of residents who do not wish to be solicited and that willful violation of that notice is a misdemeanor under the codified ordinance. Mr. O'Donnell also cautioned that while many canvassers are legitimate, opportunistic contractors can take advantage of storm-damaged homeowners and recommended residents request proof of licensing and permits.
Council discussed enforcement practices and indicated they would support proactive public outreach to remind residents how to verify solicitor permits and how to report suspected violations to police.
