Restrictions on door-to-door salespeople





 

 

Door-to-door salespeople in Agoura Hills will have a tougher go of it now that the city has put limits on their activity.

On Aug. 13, the City Council approved an ordinance that redefines and regulates home door-todoor solicitation.

Doug Hooper, assistant planning and community development director, said there has been an increase in door-to-door solicitations in the city and residents have complained.

Hooper defined what constitutes door-to-door sales. Anybody who knocks on the door of a home or business with the intent to sell a product, solicit an opinion, take a survey or poll, solicit donations or distribute information or material of any kind falls under the category of door-to-door solicitation.

The new rules will differ for people who sell products or services for profit versus those who represent a nonprofit. Businesses or individuals selling a product for profit must obtain a business license through the city.

The amendment also prohibits salespeople of any kind from approaching people at a house, apartment, condominium or business if a “No Soliciting,” “Do Not Disturb” or similar sign is posted in a conspicuous location on the home or building.

Even if a sign is not posted, a salesperson is prohibited from returning to a private residence or business once they’ve been asked to leave and told not to return.

The city also established some time limits on door-to-door solicitations. Solicitors cannot come knocking between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Councilmember Illece Buckley Weber said the time frame seemed late for the winter months, but she didn’t want to step on any First Amendment rights.

Councilmember Harry Schwarz said the amendment was not intended to stop anybody from starting or furthering a business, especially legitimate businesses like pest control companies or real estate agencies, but instead was meant to protect residents from fraud.

“There are legitimate vendors who go door to door,” Schwarz said, adding that there has been an increase of salespeople who are dropped off in the area to sell magazine subscriptions. “That’s the kind of thing we’re trying to guard against,” he said. “It’s a matter of nuisance and a matter of safety.”

The amendment passed 4-0, with Councilmember Denis Weber absent.


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