PORT TOWNSEND — Door-to-door vendors now are required to undergo background checks and pay for licenses if they wish to peddle their wares within the Port Townsend city limit.
The City Council unanimously approved a peddling law on the first reading Monday night. If the law is approved on a second reading, violators could be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail.
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 that say “no soliciting” and operate only between 9 a.m. and dusk.
The law was created to safeguard residents against burglars who use the excuse of business to identify houses to break into.
Earlier this year, burglars in Port Ludlow targeted homes by performing tree-trimming services prior to a break-in.
Jason Lucas, 29, and Robert Lucas, 23, were each sentenced to 50 months in jail by Kitsap County Superior Court for a string of burglaries in Kitsap and Jefferson counties earlier this month.
The two were operating a tree-trimming business as a front to steal jewelry, firearms and sports memorabilia from homes, court documents said.
In June, City Manager David Timmons said a well-defined peddler code would help protect public safety.
“It gives people a place to check on a solicitor who comes to your door,” he said.
Youth given exception
Youth would be exempt from licensing and fee requirements.
Deputy Mayor George Randels said police would be unlikely to cite a Boy Scout for going door-to-door for providing services such as shoveling snow.
“I don’t quarrel with that lack of enforcement, but it creates a situation where others who are not Boy Scouts [or youth], could claim that, because it doesn’t apply to some, it shouldn’t apply to them,” he said.
Other exemptions from the licensing fee are in place for political campaigning, farmers selling produce and community-based nonprofits operating a fundraising campaign, such as Girl Scouts selling cookies.
These groups will be issued free organizational certificates allowing them to go door to door, according to the ordinance.
Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green said enforcement would be on a case-by-case basis.
He said his department receives about six calls per month about solicitors.
“That includes people concerned about the legitimacy of a solicitor to people looking to learn the law on how to go about soliciting.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
