Proposed law aims to curb aggressive sellers

Hours of operation and trespassing warning included

The revised "peddlers and solicitors" ordinance being considered by the city council includes restrictions on hours of operation and a warning that ignoring requests to leave will be considered trespassing.

The ordinance also includes new sections for exemption of religious, charitable and political groups and licensing requirements for employees of peddler or solicitor businesses.

Minors seeking lawn mowing, baby-sitting and similar jobs would be exempt as well as those selling farm products they raise themselves.

Veterans also would be exempt from paying licensing fees if they present proof of an honorable discharge.

The city plans to install a sign at each major city entrance stating, "Peddling, soliciting, canvassing ordinances enforced. Sequim Municipal Code 5.24."

The original ordinance restricted door-to-door sales to between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. but that was changed to 8 p.m. in the revised ordinance and might be changed in the final version.

Under the ordinance peddlers and solicitors and their agents would have to submit to a background investigation of not more than 30 days but could post a bond to obtain a license before that investigation is completed.

The bond would remain a deposit for 90 days until all claims against the peddler or solicitor are resolved.

The revised ordinance also would require a photo identification card showing the name of the business and person, type of service or product, and date of license expiration.

New sections also include denial of a license if the person or company has been convicted of various crimes or has been the subject of repeated complaints of aggressive sales tactics by Sequim residents.

Violation of the ordinance would be considered a misdemeanor.