Missouri City will enforce tighter solicitation rules as officials said enforcement challenges, public safety concerns and administrative inefficiencies have triggered a need for a new approach.
The big picture
At a Feb. 16 meeting, Missouri City City Council unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance regulating solicitation-related activities. Council previously voted 6-0 to pass the first reading of the ordinance at a Feb. 2 meeting, with District D council member Floyd Emery absent.
Zooming in
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 process