Missouri City could begin enforcing tighter solicitation rules as officials said enforcement challenges, public safety concerns and administrative inefficiencies have triggered a need for a new approach.
Zooming in
At a Feb. 2 meeting, Missouri City City Council voted 6-0 to approve the first reading of an ordinance regulating solicitation-related activities. District D council member Floyd Emery was absent.
The ordinance—which would apply to any person going door-to-door for commercial purposes—could tighten solicitation rules, including prohibiting solicitation between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., according to agenda documents.
Other key changes in the ordinance include:
Reducing applicant registration from 180 days to 90 daysIntroducing a $1,000 surety bond to protect residents from fraud, nonperformance or misrepresentationAllowing permit denial or revocation based on criminal history, deceptive trade practices or determinations related to public health, safety or welfareCreating a nonrefundable registration feeSetting escalating minimum fines for violationsEliminating the appeal processLooking ahead
While no date has been announced for the ordinance’s second reading, City Council will meet again Feb. 16.