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Council introduces 'no-knock' solicitation registry; public hearing scheduled
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2026-14 to create a no-knock/solicitation registry maintained by the clerk; exceptions would apply for political, religious, charitable solicitations and deliveries. Councilmembers discussed tabling but ultimately moved to introduce the ordinance for public comment at a future hearing.
The Englewood Cliffs Borough Council introduced an ordinance on July 8 to add a no-knock (solicitation) provision to the borough's licensing code. Under the proposal residents could request their names be placed on a list maintained by the municipal clerk; solicitors who obtain a local permit would be required to consult the list and would be prohibited from calling on registered addresses.
The draft ordinance provides exceptions for political campaigning, religious and charitable organizations and for deliveries of ordered goods. Council members discussed concerns about children knocking on doors, fraud risks and the need to balance safety and community norms. One councilmember asked to table the item for additional review; after discussion the motion to withdraw the tabling request was withdrawn and the ordinance was introduced for first reading and subsequent public hearing.
What residents asked and officials replied
During public comment residents raised questions about how enforcement and penalties would work, whether door-to-door canvassing by youth would be treated as solicitation, and whether the list would create unintended consequences for canvassers who are conducting legitimate community outreach. Borough staff said details and penalties will be clarified at the public hearing and in committee review.
What's next
Ordinance 2026-14 was introduced for first reading and the council scheduled a public hearing at a subsequent meeting to allow time for committee review and additional public input.
