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CW's "Do Not Knock" registry
Canal Winchester residents now have more options available to control who knocks on their doors thanks to an ordinance passed by Canal Winchester Village Council.
The ordinance, which replaces a 2008 ordinance, establishes everything from registration requirements for different groups to specifications for signs refusing uninvited peddlers and solicitors.
As part of the ordinance, the village has created a "Do-Not-Knock" registry that residents may sign up for to restrict who can knock on their door. The village is also furnishing "no peddlers or solicitors invited" decals for residents who wish to post one on their property.
According to Canal Winchester Finance Director Nanisa Osborn, residents who want to prohibit solicitors or peddlers can have their name added to the do-not-knock registry, post a village-supplied decal or display their own notice as long as it meets the requirements of the ordinance.
Decals and forms for Canal Winchester's "Do-Not-Knock" registry can be picked up at the village's municipal building at 36 S. High St. The forms are also available on the village's Web site at: www.canalwinchesterohio.gov. Look under forms and permits. Since the do-not-knock forms require a signature, the village is unable to sign people up for the registry over the phone.
"We provide every group or individual who gets a peddler and solicitor's license with a list of everyone who has signed up for the do-not-knock registry," said Osborn. "Once someone has a license, it is then their responsibility to contact us to get any updates to the list."
A peddler and solicitor license is good for one calendar year. While groups such as religious or charitable non-profits organizations are not required to obtain a license, they must first register with the village. Religious or charitable organizations that exclusively use peddlers or solicitors under age 16 are not required to register.
Osborn added, "Residents are able to list exceptions when they sign up for the do-not-knock registry. For example, someone might allow certain groups such as the American Cancer Society to knock on their door or only allow peddling and soliciting during certain hours."
Violation of the peddler and solicitors ordinance constitutes trespassing and is a fourth degree misdemeanor. If a resident believes someone is violation of the peddler and solicitor ordinance, they can call the sheriff's office non-emergency number at (614) 837-7193 to have the ordinance enforced and the organization's permit revoked.
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