Coppell council passes new handbill ordinance

The Coppell City Council reviewed and amended the city’s peddlers and solicitors ordinance Oct. 27 during the regular city council meeting. Peddlers and solicitors must follow the new rules, while homeowners and businesses who do not wish to receive information or sales visits are urged to exhibit a “No Solicitors” sign as per the guidelines.

Any solicitors must file with the chief of police a registration statement on forms provided by the city, which will include the name and permanent residence address of the applicant, the organization the applicant represents, along with the name, address, and driver’s license or state-approved identification card number of each person who will distribute advertisements, handbills or other written matter.

Solicitors distributing advertisements, handbills or other written matter on private property must wear a certificate of registration provided by the city.

“They will be required to visibly display the little permit we have issued to them,” said Roy Osborne, Coppell police chief.

Solicitors may only distribute the materials between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They can only use public sidewalks to approach the front entrances to distribute any material and must hand the advertisement or other material to a person present on the premises, affix it securely to the door handle, or place it in a receptacle provided for such materials other than the resident’s mail box.

The ordinance does not apply to newspaper delivery, or distribution of handbills or other written matter with a political or charitable purpose.

Residences or businesses wishing not to have any solicitors should exhibit in a conspicuous place upon or near the main entrance to the residence a weatherproof card, not less than three inches by four inches in size containing the words, “NO SOLICITORS” and the letters shall not be less than two-thirds of an inch in height.

Charitable and political entities are allowed to leave handbills on residence and business doors because of state and federal regulations.

“Residents and businesses must be aware that the display of a ‘No Solicitors’ sign, while preventing the disbursement of door-to-door sales, may also discourage some charitable organizations such as Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts from approaching a residence or business.” said Sharon Logan, Coppell city information officer.

If a residence or business desires to allow this type of interaction it can be added to the “No Solicitors” sign. Example: “Girl Scout cookies welcome here.”

The council also authorized the William T. Cosby Public Library to purchase library materials from contracted vendors on an annual basis as budgeted via the state of Texas term contract.

The council also approved two proclamations during the session.

The first proclamation honored new Eagle Scout Christopher Avery Griffith for achieving the highest rank attainable.

“It is quite an achievement, and we are always pleased to honor our Eagle Scouts,” said Mayor Jayne Peters.

The second proclamation designated Nov. 2 through Nov. 6 Municipal Courts Week.

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