At our November 2009 HOA meeting, a question about finding ways to reduce or eliminate solicitors in our neighborhood was posed. Some neighboring communities have “No Soliciting/No Handbill” signs posted in their entrances and we wondered if these signs actually work or hold any weight legally. After contacting the city, it was determined that these signs would only act as a deterrent but are not legally binding. The ordinance by the Town of Parker would override any sign posted in the entrances of our community.
There are ways you as a homeowner can try and reduce solicitation by simply hanging a “No Soliciting” sign on your door or window. You might also benefit by being more informed about the “Peddler and Solicitor requirements” here in Parker. (see below)
Peddler and Solicitor License Requirements
By ordinance, the Town of Parker requires all peddlers and solicitors engaged in door-to-door sales to obtain a license or permit to conduct business in Parker.
Anyone soliciting residential areas for the purpose of door-to-door sales must:
*Register with the Town Clerk’s office
*Obtain a $50 license for their business to conduct business in the Town of Parker
*Obtain a $50 permit for each individual engaging in door-to-door sales
*Pay sales tax on those transactions
Purpose of Ordinance
Ensures that any individual or business engaged in door-to-door sales has a business license. Allows Parker to deny a license or permit to any individual who has been charged with:
*Misrepresentation
*Fraud
*Deception
*Breach of warranty or contract in Parker or elsewhere
Failure to comply with this ordinance, or any ordinance applicable to the applicant’s permitted activities, obtain a sales tax license or remit sales tax due to the Town, allows Parker to deny a license or permit any individual who, in the past five years, has been convicted of crimes or acts against people or property or institutionalized for mental illness that caused acts of violence against people or property. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor, and conviction carries a fine of up to $499.
Exemptions
Those exempt from the ordinance are individuals:
*Delivering newspapers, milk, bread, firewood and farm produce
*Soliciting lawn, garden or snow shoveling work
*Whose activities advocate civic, religious, charitable or political causes
*Companies that have a franchise agreement with the Town
Notwithstanding the exemptions listed, such exempt persons who engage in door-to-door sales or solicitation of contributions shall be required to obtain an identification card prior to engaging in door-to-door sales or solicitation of contributions, and shall pay $10 for the cost of preparing such identification card.
Further Information available at (http://www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?NID=139)
