TRESPASSING & DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITATION
Door-to-door solicitation refers to individuals and businesses that ask for donations or attempt to sell products or services at your place of residence without your explicit invitation.
Solicitation is legal, but only if the solicitor possesses a valid business license from the City of Happy Valley. When a solicitor applies for a business license, the City provides that individual with rules outlining their solicitation requirements. Those include carrying personal identification, a business card of the business they are representing, and a copy of the City’s issued business license. It is also stressed to the solicitor that entering a property that is posted with a ‘No Trespassing’ sign will subject them to fines and/or possible arrest.
The Happy Valley Police Department and the City of Happy Valley recognize solicitors can be disruptive and pose potential risks when it comes to your property and personal safety. That is why, in 2011, the City Council adopted an ordinance that prohibits an unwanted person from entering onto your private property provided your property is clearly posted with a ‘No Trespassing’ sign. This assists police in enforcing the City’s trespass laws should a solicitor visit your home. Any solicitor who violates this posted ordinance and enters your property is subject to a $1,000 fine and potential arrest.
The City offers ‘No Trespassing’ signs for purchase at City Hall. The cost of a sign is $10.00 and is clearly marked with the City ordinance. City Hall also offers complimentary ‘No Trespassing’ stickers to residents, if preferred.
It is important to keep in mind that thieves and individuals who may have ulterior motives are known to pose as door-to-door salespeople as a ways to gain access to your home’s interior.
Here are a few points to remember when someone comes to your door to solicit:
- If you do not feel comfortable answering the door, tell the person to go away and that you are not interested. Watch from a window to make sure they leave and report any suspicious activity immediately. Pay close attention to what the individual looked like, what they were wearing and what direction they were headed.
- If you choose to answer the door, be sure to ask if they have a business license from the City of Happy Valley. Without a business license, the solicitor is already out of compliance with City rules.
- Never allow an unknown individual to come inside your house…ever! If at any time you feel like your safety is in jeopardy or the solicitor is behaving suspiciously or will not leave your property after you have instructed them to do so, call the police.
Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate life-threatening activity or a crime in progress. Call non-emergency dispatch at 503-655-8211 for all other safety reporting.