Soliciting rules may change in Highland Village thanks to a new ordinance. During their Tuesday meeting, City Council members approved the first of two readings of a 9 a.m.-6 p.m. window for solicitors and peddlers.
The current ordinance allows soliciting from 9 a.m. until sunset Monday through Saturday, with sunset being identified by the National Weather Service for the city that day. City staff said the change in the ordinance was spurred by complaints from homeowners inundated by solicitors representing home repair companies after damaging hail storms earlier this year.
Mayor Charlotte Wilcox stated she had received complaints from residents and voiced concern about when solicitors are allowed to operate. She asked staff to see what is allowed in other cities:
- Denton - 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Lewisville - 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Flower Mound - 9 a.m.-9 p.m. or until it gets dark.
Per Highland Village's city ordinance, solicitors are required to register with the city and receive a permit. They are also made aware of the rules and regulations, as well as allowed hours of operation.
Currently, permits expire within 90-days from the date of issuance. Each permit may be renewed once for an additional 90-day term at no additional cost, unless additional solicitors are added to the permit. Such a change requires a fee of $50 per additional solicitor.
Permits issued by Flower Mound, Lewisville, Keller and Southlake are 180-day permits. In an effort to be more cost and time effective, Highland Village city staff suggested going to a 180-day permit.
The council approved the first reading for an extension of permit time, as well.
