Residents will soon be able to sign up for a Do Not Knock Registry.
Delran council unanimously approved an amendment to the peddlers, hawkers, canvassers and solicitors ordinance to include the registry after both second hearing and second reading of the measure on Dec. 12. The registry was first introduced in November led by Council President Tyler Burrell.
“This is similar to the (National) Do Not Call registry,” said Mayor Gary Catrambone. “This gives residents an opportunity to get on a list to protect them from (unwanted solicitors) on their property.”
When the discussion was brought up about adding a registry, Catrambone called it a “no- brainer” and said he was “more than happy” to sign it. When the ordinance goes into effect this month, the registry will be maintained by the townships clerk.
Homeowners and occupants may register addresses that will remain on the registry until written notification to the clerk to remove them, according to the ordinance. The clerk will also update the registry regularly and provide a copy to the police chief.
Owners and or occupants may purchase a $5 sticker for display on their property to deter solicitation. Through the initial ordinance, solicitors and sellers have to apply for a license in order to do business in the township. With “no knock,” they will receive a list of registry homeowners on whose doors they will be prohibited from knocking.
According to the ordinance, any person convicted of violating the registry will be subject to the following:
- First offense: a minimum fine of $100 with a maximum fine of up to $1,250
- Subsequent offense: a minimum fine of $100 with a maximum of up to $2,000 for each offense, together with community service for a period of up to 90 days
- Any offense: in addition to the above, permanent revocation of any license issued
For more information, reach out to Township Clerk Jamey Eggers at jeffers@delrantownship.org.
