Colleyville is getting stricter with solicitors

In 2011 Colleyville City Council approved a stricter ordinance against solicitors to ensure the safety of citizens. Council members went through a first reading of amendments to the ordinance that includes a "No knock" list during its meeting Feb. 4.

The changes include issuing a fine penalty not to exceed $500, a savings clause, repealing conflicting ordinances and providing an effective date.

Announced to the public at the State of the City address in January, the list is for residents who do not wish to be solicited, Police Chief Michael Holder said. If a name is on the "No knock" list, a vendor cannot solicit at that address. The ordinance requires permits for all commercial home solicitation, commercial home distribution and itinerant vendors.

"It's the vendor's responsibility to keep up with that [the list]–it's going to be an ever-changing list," Holder said.

Registration is done online and is good for two years. There is also a "Solicitors welcome" list that residents can register for.

Holder said the city is still looking at the best ways to notify registrants when the expiration date is nearly up.

Protected speech, such as that of religious groups, charities and political campaigns, are exempt from permit requirements. Holder said the council is expected to take action on the revised solicitor ordinance at the next meeting on Feb. 18. Visitwww.colleyville.com to register or for more information.