PORT TOWNSEND — A new city ordinance would require door-to-door solicitors to obtain a license and background check before they sell their wares.
On Monday, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to update what City Manager David Timmons called “outdated codes.”
The second reading of the ordinance — after which it would go into effect — had not been scheduled Wednesday.
“Right now, we don’t have a compliance system,” Timmons said. “There is no enforcement [on peddlers in the city.]
“This will update that and give people a way to check up on someone going door to door.”
The draft ordinance defines soliciting as any sales done by going from place to place within the city limit.
Along with a background check for a criminal record and a licensing fee of $50, the ordinance also requires solicitors to carry photo identification, obey signs indicating “no soliciting” and operate only between 9 a.m. and dusk.
Exemptions
Exemptions from the licensing fee are in place for political campaigning, farmers selling produce and certain seasonal services, such as lawn mowing.
Also, community-based nonprofits, such as Girl Scouts, will be exempt from the formal licensing process.
They will be issued free organizational certificates allowing them to go door to door.
If the law is approved on a second reading, violators could be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced up to 90 days in jail.
Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green said enforcement would be on case-by-case basis.
“Much like the noise violation ordinance, any infraction would start low but have the potential to move up,” Green said.
“Subsequent infractions could elevate charges to that of a misdemeanor.”
Green said his department receives “quite a few calls” regarding solicitors.
“Around six a month,” Green said.
“That includes people concerned about the legitimacy of a solicitor to people looking to learn the law on how to go about soliciting.”
Timmons said that, beyond providing safeguard against a possible nuisance at your door, the ordinance also serves as a public safety barricade.
“It gives people a place to check on a solicitor who comes to your door,” he said.
“You never know, if we don’t have a background check in place.
“Someone could come to your door, get invited inside, ask to use the restroom and suddenly they are casing the house [to burglarize.]
“This helps prevent people from doing that.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
