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Committee reviews draft amendments to soliciting, pedaling rules; distance-to-door limit discussed
Summary
Members reviewed redlined changes to chapter 80 to tighten solicitation registration, narrow exemptions and add a distance requirement from building entrances; the committee discussed a five‑foot buffer and scheduled further public comment and a June public hearing on the ordinance process.
The committee examined draft amendments to chapter 80 addressing pedaling, solicitation and hand‑bills and discussed next steps, with an eye toward balancing business concerns and public‑safety objectives.
Chair Brian Travis said the redlines add required application details such as the specific location and days of activity and a proof‑of‑registration requirement with the Commonwealth. The draft narrows exemptions (for example, clarifying farmers’ market provisions) and retains limited exemptions for licensed real‑estate, insurance and campaign workers.
Travis said he met with a small business owner, Melena, about how solicitation can block doorways and make customers uncomfortable; in response the draft includes a distance‑to‑door requirement, and committee members worked down from an initial 10‑foot proposal to a five‑foot buffer in the redlines under discussion.
Committee members asked for clarification about how "mobile" solicitors (for example, sidewalk vendors or moving vendors selling glow sticks) would be treated and confirmed that the intent is to prevent fixed booths or tables while allowing moving activities. The solicitor's edits are intended as cleanup and to remove contradictions uncovered during review.
The committee opened the item for public comment and will schedule formal public hearing procedures (a June hearing was listed in agenda materials) as the draft is finalized with solicitor input.
