Council adopts 'do not solicit' homeowner-protection ordinance with realtor mailing exemption

Council member Foster presented CB 121259, a bill to create a do-not-solicit list and enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting homeowners — particularly elders and vulnerable residents — from predatory mail, calls and high‑pressure purchase attempts.

Multiple community groups and real-estate industry representatives testified during public comment that they supported protections but worried that broad language could sweep in legitimate, educational communications by licensed agents. Speakers from the Seattle King County Realtors, John L. Scott Real Estate and Habitat for Humanity urged a narrowly tailored exemption so routine market newsletters and multilingual homeowner resources would not be captured.

Council member Rivera moved Amendment A to exempt bulk written flyers and commercial mailings from licensed real estate professionals; she described the change as a community-crafted compromise. Council member Foster and other members said the amendment addressed concerns about unintended consequences and pledged monitoring during implementation.

The council adopted Amendment A on a roll-call vote, then passed the bill as amended. The clerk recorded the amendment and final passage as unanimous votes. The ordinance establishes an opt‑in do-not-solicit list, an enforcement process with penalties for covered solicitations, and clarifies that participation is voluntary.

Council members emphasized the policy sought to provide residents more privacy and protection from coercive practices while allowing legitimate business communications to continue under the limited exemption.

Key public commenters included Scott Dickinson and Craig Walker (Seattle King County Realtors), Patty Hill and Erin Berriano (John L. Scott Real Estate), Alicia Reese (Habitat for Humanity), and community advocates who reported elders receiving dozens of solicitations per year. Council directed staff to coordinate implementation details with the Office of Civil Rights to avoid creating unintended loopholes.