LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Chances are you have had an encounter with a door-to-door salesperson at your home, but now people in one Middle Tennessee city can keep them from ringing their doorbells.
A new ordinance in the city of La Vergne allows residents to sign up for a "No Knock" list that will prevent commercial solicitors from visiting their homes.
The City’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the ordinance on Nov. 17, 2020, after hearing complaints from residents about aggressive door-to-door sales people. It went into effect Jan. 22.
"I’ve already heard from people when we announced this today about how excited they are, and how thankful they are this option is available to them," said Jason Cole, Mayor of La Vergne. "I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from those in our community."
All commercial solicitors wanting to go door-to-door in La Vergne are now required to get both a permit and ID badge from the city. The permit costs $250 and is good for up to one year, while the ID badge costs $75. All permits are handled by the City Administrator's office during regular business hours.
Residents are also able to register their home address in the "No Knock" registry, which will be provided to commercial solicitors when they apply for a permit. If an individual doesn't want anyone to visit their home, they can display a "No Solicitation" sticker on their property. Stickers can be picked up for free at La Vergne City Hall.
The ordinance applies to all commercial solicitors. Newspapers and other editorial publications are exempt. Non-commercial solicitors that go door-to-door on behalf of a religious organization, charity, non-profit group or political campaign are not required to have a permit or ID badge.
Mayor Cole said any city employee can enforce the ordinance, but believed the city would be relying on police to monitor violations. He said violators could lose their business license or be fined.
To report a solicitation ordinance violation, call the non-emergency police number, 615-793-7744.
To register for the "No Knock" list or get more information, visit: www.noknock.lavergnetn.gov
