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Council approves first reading of revised handbill ordinance; effective date delayed to June 1
Summary
Council approved first reading of an amended handbill ordinance that requires unsolicited handbills to be placed within 5 feet of a residence's front door and preserves an opt-out; publishers asked for extra compliance time and the council delayed the effective date to June 1 (motion passed 6–1).
City counsel presented a revised ordinance aimed at curbing litter from unsolicited handbills and flyers while preserving constitutionally protected distribution. The ordinance removes a prior loophole for wrapped deliveries and requires that unsolicited handbills left on residential property be placed within five feet of the front entrance; it retains an opt-out provision for individual property owners.
Council and staff acknowledged enforcement will rely largely on resident complaints and evidence (photos, timestamps) if a violator continues to distribute material after an opt-out is recorded. A publisher requested additional time to alter distribution practices; council approved first reading of the ordinance and set the effective date for June 1 to allow compliance time. City attorney noted the ordinance does not prohibit mailed material placed inside postal mailboxes.
