City Reminds Residents of Peddler, Solicitor Rules in Plymouth

With the warm weather, salespeople have begun to hit the streets to knock on doors.

The city of Plymouth reminds residents to be aware of the rules regarding peddlers and solicitors.

In Plymouth, permitted hours for door-to-door sales are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Solicitors cannot harass, intimidate, abuse, or threaten residents. If a peddler or solicitor is told to leave, he or she must comply. Residents should call 911 as soon as possible with concerns and complaints about a solicitor. In some cases, the city cannot prevent individuals from going door-to-door, especially in cases that involve literature distribution, because it could tread on an individual’s First Amendment right to free speech.

According to Plymouth City Code 1140, peddlers and solicitors must obtain a license from the city, unless they’re delivering merchandise ordered out of state. Applications are due to the city clerk’s office five days prior to sales. Failure to comply with city ordinances may result in revocation or suspension of a license. Licenses are valid only for the period specified. ‘Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited’ Signs Signs that read “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited,” which are posted near the entrance to a home or business, legally prohibit uninvited people from selling goods or services or seeking financial contributions, even if they hold a peddlers license issued by the City of Plymouth. Signs must be at least a 3.75-square inches in size.

Prohibited Practices

It is prohibited for a peddler, solicitor or transient merchant to do the following:

• Obstruct the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any street, alley, sidewalk or other public right-of-way

• Create a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of any individual or the general public

• Cry out, blow a horn, ring a bell or make any loud or unusual noise in areas zoned for residential use

For more information or to view city ordinances regarding peddlers and solicitors, visit www.plymouthmn.gov.

(Information provided by a city of Plymouth press release.)