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Groves reviews peddlers ordinance; council backs durable ID badges and updates
Summary
Council members reviewed a proposed overhaul of Chapter 19 on peddlers, discussed $100-per-solicitor fees, background-check language, and whether city-issued lanyard IDs should be required to be visible at all times; staff will revise and return the draft to council.
Groves, Texas —eb. 17, 2026—ollowing the signage discussion, the Groves City Council examined proposed updates to Chapter 19 of the city code that regulate peddlers and door-to-door solicitors.
Staff explained the current ordinance contains elements dating to 1954 and that several provisions are outdated or overly specific. The proposed rewrite narrows overbroad requirements, updates application materials and clarifies who must register. Staff said the application process would require a per-solicitor fee (proposed at $100), and that each solicitor would need to present a city-issued identification card when soliciting.
Why it matters: council members said clear, durable identification would reassure residents and make enforcement easier; they cited recent neighborhood complaints about repeated door-to-door campaigns and an incident that required police intervention.
Key discussion points included whether political solicitors should remain exempt (staff said political canvassers are not required to register), whether IDs should be displayed only upon request or be visibly worn at all times, the appropriate validity period for badges (staff suggested up to one year with an expiration date), and whether the $100 fee covers the administrative costs of printing durable badges. Staff noted the city already has printing capability (used for game-room IDs) and can adapt that equipment for peddler badges.
Quotes and exchanges: a council member asked for visible IDs at all times: "If they come and knock on my door and they have that visible lanyard, then I've known they've gone through the legal process. Shouldn't have to ask." Staff agreed the city could produce a durable lanyard-style badge with permitting information on the reverse side and a visible ID on the front.
Next steps: council thanked staff for the review and directed Mr. Monk (Marshall) to update the draft ordinance and return it to a future council meeting for formal consideration. No vote was held at the workshop.
Clarifying details: the draft applies per-solicitor fees (proposed $100 each), requires a city ID to be carried and presented upon request under current draft language, and staff will return with final recommendations on whether to require visible lanyards and the precise fee structure.
