City Council adopts new solicitation ordinance
City Council passed a solicitation ordinance during its April 7 meeting that establishes rules and regulations for canvassers, peddlers and solicitors conducting business within the City of Springboro.
A previous ordinance— that most area communities had adopted — was ruled unconstitutional almost 20 years ago, leaving cities with no recourse to manage solicitors. Since that time, the city has determined that some regulation is necessary to provide for the proper vetting of persons engaged in door-to-door sales activity and also allow for residents the option not to be solicited for products and services, should they so choose.
Residents who choose to be a part of the Do Not Solicit List, can register on the city website, www. ci.springboro.oh.us, Do Not Solicit List. The registration is valid until a resident changes addresses. This is for Springboro residents only. Clearcreek Township is not covered by this ordinance and therefore should not register for the Springboro Do Not Solicit list.
Beginning May 7, solicitors are required to obtain a license subject to a background check, pay a $25 fee and restrict hours for door-to-door sales from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, the ordinance establishes a “Do Not Solicit List” that will be maintained by the city, which prohibits solicitors from making door-to-door contact with any addresses on the list. Solicitors are required to carry the list, the required license and a photo ID when making door-to-door calls.
The ordinance will not affect youth fundraising activities like school, sport or scout sales. It also doesn’t affect door-to-door political campaigns, collection of signatures or distribution of brochures or other literature. It does affect peddlers and solicitors selling for a profit; for example door-to-door salespersons for landscaping, pest control and roofing companies would all need to have a solicitor’s license.
No individuals or groups should approach any property with a “No Solicitation” or similar signage without the property owner’s permission. The city does not provide such signs, but the ordinance does allow homeowners and apartment complexes to post signs indicating no solicitation on their property.
The ordinance is effective now. Should a resident have a solicitor at the door without the required license or if a solicitor comes to your door and your address is included on the Do Not Solicit list, please call the Springboro Police Department, 937-748-0611.