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CA NEWS

Let’s Communicate!

Jim Romine, Executive Director

Solicitors must obey Georgetown’s ordinances

Sun City Texas residents are reminded to please proceed 6. Canvassers who attempt only to distribute handbills or to
with caution when dealing with any vendor or solicitor solicit political support or to determine opinions or senti-
before handing over money or signing any contracts. Due ments.
diligence will go a long way in saving yourself money, time and
hassle with a less than reputable company. Furthermore, the If you don’t want flyers put on your door or people knocking
CA cannot restrict solicitors from our community. However, on your door, you should put up a “no soliciting” sign as men-
if you do not want solicitors knocking on your door, you can tioned previously. If they do it anyway, regardless of whether
place a “no soliciting” sign by your front entry. Here are the they require a permit, you can report them to the Georgetown
guidelines should you wish to add such a sign: The rules for Police Department (non-emergency number: 512-930-3510). If
“no soliciting” signs are in Paragraph 2.2. (b) in Exhibit C of they violate city rules, it is a class “C” misdemeanor and their
the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. permits will be revoked. Solicitation is only allowed between
The full guidance reads: 8 a.m. and sunset.

(b) No soliciting signs. An Occupant is permitted to place If you should have face-to-face contact with a peddler or solici-
one “No Soliciting” or similar sign either (i) near or on the tor selling a product or service, ask to see their permit from the
front door to the Dwelling Unit or (ii) near the entrance to City of Georgetown. If the solicitor cannot produce one, then
a courtyard mounted on gate pillar, wall or similar surface call the police (non-emergency number: 512-930-3510) and let
near such entrance. The sign may not be mounted other the police know where the solicitor is in the community. If the
than as provided above, which includes a prohibition on police have an available unit in the area, they can try to locate
mounting the sign in a yard area. Any such sign shall not the solicitor. In order for the solicitor to obtain a permit, they
exceed a size of 25 square inches (e.g., five inches by five must first be fingerprinted and have a criminal history check
inches). The color, font and style of the sign shall be as conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety and then
commercially available. submit an application to the City of Georgetown for a permit.

Because Sun City Texas is located within the City of George-
town, the community’s residents are governed by Georgetown’s
Code of Ordinances. Any person who engages in commercial
activities (selling a product or service) or soliciting must have
a permit to do so. According to Section 6.16.030. of the city’s
soliciting ordinance, the following types of solicitors do not
require a permit; however, they may not solicit at a home that
has a “no soliciting” sign:

1. Newspaper carriers;

2. Farmers who sell agricultural products that were raised
or grown by them;

3. Locally based non-profit organizations;

4. Religious proselytizing or distribution of religious literature;

5. Political speech; or

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG JULY 2015 SUNRAYS | 7