Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solicitation Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Law director says blanket ban on door-to-door solicitation could be unconstitutional; council weighs narrower rules
Summary
Law Director Reman told council Omni Fiber's counsel flagged Supreme Court precedent that may invalidate a blanket ban on door-to-door sales; the city will consider narrower restrictions such as permits, limited hours and ID requirements while pressing the company to fix outstanding site issues.
Law Director Mr. Reman briefed the Greenville City Council on recent correspondence from Omni Fiber's general counsel concerning the city's blanket ban on door-to-door solicitation. Reman said solicitors' rights under certain Supreme Court rulings mean a permanent, across-the-board prohibition may be vulnerable to legal challenge.
Reman told council members that cities have options widely upheld by courts, including requiring registration, limiting solicitor hours, charging fees, and requiring identification badges. He said the city may have to replace the blanket ban with a narrower, time/place/manner regime to avoid constitutional exposure.
Council members raised related concerns about Omni Fiber's field crews and outstanding work, urging the company to correct visible problems such as wire repairs, unfinished yards, and sidewalk/curb patches before the city considers easing enforcement. One council member said enforcement should be linked to the company's completion of required remediation.
Reman said he will continue researching case law and draft possible ordinance language with reasonable restrictions for council consideration; no formal ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.
