What You Should Know About Door-To-Door Solicitation In Hurst

Homeowners and businesses should be aware of City ordinances which provide regulation and permit procedures for door-to-door solicitors and itinerant merchants in Hurst.

Solicitors may not approach a residence or business that displays a sign stating "no solicitors" or "no soliciting". Solicitors must leave the premises when asked to do so by the resident or business representative.

A person desiring that no merchant or other person engaging in solicitation at his residence or business shall exhibit in a conspicuous place upon or near the main entrance to the residence a weatherproof card, not less than three (3) inches by four (4) inches in size, containing the words "no solicitors" or 'no soliciting". The letters shall be not less than two-thirds of an inch in height.

No person, other than the home or business owner, shall remove, deface or render illegible a "no solicitors" sign posted by the home or business owner.

With exceptions for solicitation for and by local youth organizations, all door-to-door solicitors must have a permit issued by the City Secretary's office, City of Hurst. Such permits must be carried and displayed by the solicitor(s) upon request.

If they are selling or collecting funds at a stationary location, solicitors must obtain written permission from the property owner or business manager. An itinerant merchant permit will be issued by the City Secretary's office, City of Hurst, for a specific, approved location.

Additionally, solicitors may not:

• Obstruct or impede the passage of a pedestrian or vehicle.
  
• Make physical contact with the person being solicited unless that person's permission is obtained.
  
• Misrepresent the purpose of the solicitation.
  
• Misrepresent the affiliation of those engaged in the solicitation.
  
• Shall not make a noise which will disturb the peace or quiet of the neighborhood.

Permits are not required to distribute circulars or flyers on the doors of homes or businesses. However, distributors may not ring doorbells, knock on doors, or engage in conversation about the product or solicitation. In order to place advertising and flyers on cars in commercial parking lots, distributors must first obtain permission from the owner or manager of the property.