Chapter 5.16
SOLICITORS AND CANVASSERS1
Sections:
5.16.010 Purpose.
5.16.020 Definitions.
5.16.030 Solicitation and canvassing prohibited – Exceptions.
5.16.040 Solicitors and canvassers permitted to operate within the city.
5.16.050 Requirements for retaining permitted status.
5.16.060 Time period for soliciting and canvassing.
5.16.070 Solicitation and canvassing prohibited where notice posted.
5.16.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city by prohibiting for-profit solicitation and canvassing within the city. Charitable organizations, independent fund raising organizations and nonprofit fund raising organizations are permitted to solicit or canvass with the city, provided they comply with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.020 Definitions.
“Solicitor” or “canvasser” is defined as any person, either as a principal or agent, who goes from door to door, or from place to place, and who:
A. Sells, takes orders for, or offers to sell, any goods, wares or merchandise whether or not collecting in advance for such goods, wares or merchandise; and/or
B. Sells, takes orders for, or offers to sell services, whether or not collecting in advance for such services; and/or
C. Seeks contributions or donations. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.030 Solicitation and canvassing prohibited – Exceptions.
It is unlawful for any person to operate as a solicitor or canvasser within the city with the exception of those solicitors and canvassers permitted to do so under the provisions of MICC 5.16.040. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.040 Solicitors and canvassers permitted to operate within the city.
The following solicitors and canvassers are permitted to operate within the city:
A. Newspaper carriers, whether subscriptions are taken or not;
B. Any persons selling or delivering milk or milk products or bakery goods, produced or manufactured, or furnishing to any person of laundry or dry cleaning services;
C. All persons and/or entities registered pursuant to Chapter 19.09 RCW as charitable organizations, independent fund raisers, or nonprofit fund raisers; provided, that such persons or entities, in order to qualify for this exemption, must have on file with the city clerk a current copy of their state registration under Chapter 19.09 RCW, or be soliciting or canvassing for or on behalf of such an organization, and they must comply with the requirements of MICC 5.16.050;
D. All persons under the age of 18, unless employed by another person or organization;
E. All candidates or political committees regulated under Chapter 2.20 MICC;
F. Solicitors and canvassers who have been requested in advance to solicit or canvass at a designated residence or place of business. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.050 Requirements for retaining permitted status.
Those persons or entities claiming to be permitted solicitors or canvassers under MICC 5.16.040C shall be subject to the following requirements:
A. The full name and home address of each individual solicitor or canvasser must be furnished to the city prior to operation within the city. A representative of an organization may apply to the city for permits for individuals who solicit or canvass for the organization.
B. During their operation within the city, individual solicitors and canvassers must display at all times a permit issued by the city clerk, showing the individual’s name and the name of the organization and/or the purpose for which they are soliciting or canvassing.
C. Solicitors or canvassers must cease operation and leave any premises immediately upon being requested to do so by the owner or person in charge of the premises. Failure to comply with such a request shall be grounds for immediate revocation of the permission to solicit or canvass granted in MICC 5.16.040.
D. If it is discovered that a solicitor or canvasser has been convicted of a felony or other offense involving moral turpitude, or if a solicitor or canvasser fails to comply with any of the requirements or provisions of this chapter, the city clerk may immediately revoke the permission to solicit or canvass granted in MICC 5.16.040. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.060 Time period for soliciting and canvassing.
Permitted solicitors and canvassers may operate within the city only between the hours of 10 am and 8 pm daily. It is unlawful to solicit or canvas within the city at any time other than during the hours set forth in this section. (Ord. A-121 § 1, 1994; Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
5.16.070 Solicitation and canvassing prohibited where notice posted.
It is unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser to solicit or canvass on property where a notice has been posted giving conspicuous notice that solicitors and canvassers are not allowed or permitted. (Ord. A-118 § 1, 1994).
Prior legislation: Ords. 147 and A-65.