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Council discusses tighter peddling permits, higher fees and do‑not‑solicit list
Summary
Planning and code staff proposed revisions to the city's peddling (solicitation) permit — including shorter durations, bond requirements, restricted hours and a do‑not‑solicit list — to reduce fraud against residents; council asked staff to draft ordinance language for the next meeting.
Planning staff presented a draft rewrite of the city's peddling (solicitation) permit and walked the board through options used by other municipalities. The proposed changes include shorter permit durations than the current one‑year term, a bond or fee to cover potential fines, restricted hours of operation, and creation of a do‑not‑solicit list residents can use to avoid unwanted visits. Staff recommended reserving exemptions for school fundraisers and similar nonprofit activities.
"We initially thought we wanted to get rid of it or do away with it altogether, but I think there were some issues as far as, attorney Hill had that we were not able to do away with it," the planning representative said, summarizing legal constraints. Board members debated fee levels and durations — options discussed ranged from 30 days up to six months and fees discussed included $150 and $200 — and agreed staff should return with a draft ordinance and a permit form for the next meeting. One member emphasized protecting older residents from door‑to‑door scams: "the amount of scams that our elderly people are getting hit with is unacceptable."
