Town adopts local law restricting soliciting hours, creates 'no-knock' registry

The Town Board opened and received documents for a local law to amend Chapter 233 (peddling and soliciting). The proposed changes set permitted solicitation hours to 10 a.m.–6 p.m., establish a no-knock registry residents can join through the clerk’s office, and require solicitors to carry a permit while clarifying that political and religious canvassing remain constitutionally protected.

During Q&A, board members and residents asked how the law would distinguish "canvassing" (political/religious) from "soliciting" and whether the time restrictions applied to canvassing. The board clarified that canvassing — defined in the code as seeking signatures, membership or disseminating information — is not subject to permit requirements, though a later clarification in the meeting noted the draft text (2026-1a) applies the same time restriction to canvassing.

The board discussed outreach plans so political parties, nonprofit groups and residents understand the distinction and how to sign up for the no-knock list. The law was received and then adopted following board motions; the clerk and staff will post guidance and notify parties as discussed.