City of La Vergne reports new rule for door-to-door sales: "Commercial solicitors now required to obtain permit, I D badge before going door-to-door."
All commercial solicitors wanting to go door-to-door in La Vergne are now required to get both a permit and ID badge. The City’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the ordinance on November 17, 2020, which also now allows residents to sign up for a new ‘No Knock’ list that will prevent commercial solicitors from visiting their home.
Anyone who engages in door-to-door solicitation to hand out fliers or sell products or services is considered a commercial solicitor. Newspapers or other editorial publications are exempt under the First Amendment. A non-commercial solicitor is anyone who goes door-to-door representing a religious organization, charity, non-profit group, or political campaign.
All commercial soliciting companies must apply for a permit that costs $250 and is good for up to one (1) year. There is also a ID badge requirement for every solicitor going door-to-door that costs $75 each. All permits are handled by the City Administrator's office during regular business hours.
Citizens are able to display a “No Solicitation” sticker or sign on their property which will prevent all door-to-door solicitors. Citizens are also able to register their home address in the “No Knock” registry which is provided to commercial solicitors at the time they apply for a permit. Citizens who want a “No Soliciting” sticker for their home are able to pick one up for free at La Vergne City Hall. To sign up for the “No Knock” list residents can fill out the registration at noknock.lavergnetn.gov.
“No Soliciation” stickers or signs prohibit all solicitors from engaging in door-to-door contact at a home. While the “No Knock” registry only prohibits commercial solicitation it does allow non-commercial solicitation. Residents can participate in one, both or neither of these options depending on personal preference.
"I’m glad to see the board could come together to provide residents at home an option not to be solicited by door-to-door salespeople that provides enforcement penalties," says Mayor Jason Cole.
To report a solicitation ordinance violation, call the non-emergency police number, 615-793-7744. More information is available at noknock.lavergnetn.gov.
