cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Deb Lang, Assistant Corporation Counsel
Jennifer Stallings, City Clerk
Alex Voigt, Deputy Chief of Staff
DATE: August 30, 2023
SUBJECT:
Proposed Updates to Chapter 32 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Peddlers and Solicitors.
PURPOSE:
The proposed amendments to Chapter 32 will ensure the City's compliance with State and Federal laws pertaining to freedom of speech while balancing the protection of the residents' safety, right to privacy and to be free from unwanted solicitation materials being distributed upon their private property and vehicles. Additional minor updates are also proposed in order to clarify some sections that are subject to interpretation as currently written.
BACKGROUND:
Staff presented the concept of updating the current Chapter 32, Peddler's and Solicitors, at the Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee (RAP) meeting on August 1, 2023. This section of the code underwent substantial changes in 2015, with additional minor amendments in 2018 and 2020. The purpose of the current proposed amendments is to incorporate changes recommended by outside counsel and to clarify sections of the code that have historically been a source of confusion for the public.
DISCUSSION:
Outlined below are the most significant changes being proposed for consideration and the purpose behind the proposed changes:
1. Prohibit Peddling/Soliciting in Vacant Lots and Parking Lots
2. Clearly Identify Offenses that Prohibit the Issuance of a Peddling/Soliciting Permit, Require Background Checks for For-Profit Peddling/Soliciting Permits and Implement a Process to Appeal Denials Based on Background Checks
3. Modifications to the Charitable Solicitor Permit Process
4. Add Administrative Process for Suspension, Revocation, Banning and Appeals
5. Prohibit Leaving Materials on Vehicles and Temporarily and Permanently Vacant Property
6. Remove Distinction Between Commercial and Non-Commercial Handbills
IMPACT STATEMEN...
Click here for full text