Homeowners press city for peddler/solicitation permit; police say laws provide some enforcement but permit could add civil teeth

During a discussion item, the Stonehurst Homeowners Association president, Mr. Bosco, urged the council to consider an ordinance requiring permits for peddlers and solicitors and allowing homeowners to rely on posted "no soliciting" signs. He said he drafted language modeled on Greenville’s ordinance to require city permits, set time limits (no earlier than 9 a.m. and not after sunset), and exempt religious and charitable organizations.

Police and staff responded that some enforcement options already exist—trespass and traffic statutes can apply and officers can arrest if someone refuses to leave—but that a specific permit or business‑license track would provide a civil compliance mechanism and better allow the city to monitor who is going door‑to‑door. The police representative said enforcement must be constitutional and complaint‑driven, and that a permit regime could assist public safety by limiting after‑sunset solicitations.

Staff noted implementation questions, including increased business‑license processing and potential staffing burdens, and suggested housing any new requirement under the existing business licensing structure. Council asked staff to gather more information, review Greenville’s experience, and return with cost and enforcement implications before drafting an ordinance for consideration.