Park Ridge aldermen appear ready to set new, extended hours for door-to-door solicitation after being warned earlier by city attorneys that failing to do so could lead to lawsuits.
The City Council on Oct. 25 tentatively approved ordinance changes that will allow solicitors to visit homes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The city previously prohibited solicitation past 7 p.m.
A final vote is expected Nov. 1.
Earlier this year, a pest control company had threatened possible legal action against the city if its permitted hours for solicitation did not change, but some aldermen had been reluctant to extend the hours to 9 p.m., despite advice from legal counsel.
On Sept. 27, City Attorney Julie Tappendorf said a number of municipalities have received letters challenging their solicitation laws and arguing they are unconstitutional if they establish a curfew earlier than 9 p.m. Courts have routinely sided with the challengers, she said, describing some of the companies that have brought lawsuits against municipalities as “pretty aggressive at challenging ordinances.”
“The courts have been pretty clear that there is an understanding that people have the right to privacy and quiet in their homes, but there are alternatives people can take advantage of to protect themselves if they don’t want solicitors coming — and that is posting a sign,” Tappendorf said.
“No soliciting” signs are currently available to residents at Park Ridge City Hall at no cost.
In addition to extending the hours of solicitation, Park Ridge’s revised solicitation ordinance includes other changes. Under the revised ordinance:
* solicitors are prohibited from knocking on doors or ringing doorbells at homes that have a “no soliciting” sign posted.
* solicitors are prohibited against leaving materials at a residence where there is a “no soliciting” sign posted.
* the solicitation permit fee for a two-month period is raised from $40 to $50.
* solicitors who receive a permit will also receive a city-issued photo ID card and lanyard that they must wear when visiting homes.
* “no soliciting” signs larger than 2-inches by 2-inches are now allowed.
* solicitors can be fined between $100 and $750 for violating any part of the city’s solicitation rules.
* any business with three or more violations will be prohibited from soliciting within the city for one year.
