Tired of unwanted solicitors? What to know about Patton Township’s ‘Do Not Knock’ program

Patton Township residents trying to keep unwanted solicitors away from their front doors can now add themselves to a “do not knock” list.

In February the Patton Township Board of Supervisors discussed a proposed amendment to the township’s peddling and solicitation ordinance that would see a new “Do Not Knock” program created. The amendment was approved on Wednesday.

Under the newly-adopted program, peddlers and solicitors going door-to-door attempting to sell things to Patton Township residents have access to addresses on the list and can face penalties for knocking on doors that are on it.

According to township manager Amy Farkas, the new amendment was created in an effort to resolve complaints submitted by several township residents regarding unwanted solicitors.

“We’ve received some complaints recently about solicitors not following ‘no soliciting’ signs that are placed on private property,” Farkas said at the Feb. 28 township meeting. “That’s problematic for us because that’s not something we readily can enforce.”

According to Farkas, the “Do Not Knock,” program is similar to a “do not call,” program in the sense that if a solicitor were to knock on the door of a house that is enrolled in the program and is displaying a “do not solicit,” sign or decal, there would be consequences that the township could then enforce.

Groups that want to solicit door-to-door in Patton Township need to first acquire a license with the municipality. Now that the “Do Not Knock” program is in place, the groups will have access to the list when they obtain the license.

If a group attempts to solicit to home owners enrolled in the program, they first receive a warning, and after that, they run the risk of having their solicitation license revoked.

Other municipalities across Pennsylvania have enacted Do Not Knock programs, though there are groups that are exempt.

“It’s also important to note that these (do not knock) lists do not apply to religious, political or charitable organizations because those are governed by state or federal law,” Farkas said at February’s meeting.

Now that the amendment has been approved, township residents interested in having their home address placed on the list may do so online at Patton Township’s website, or by visiting the township building and filling out the form in person.

Any township residents that do enroll in the program will not be made to display a “do not knock,” sign on their property.

There are other updates to the peddling and solicitation ordinance alongside the “Do Not Knock,” program too. Now, solicitation licenses are only valid run for six months at a time, as opposed to a year.

It was also noted that commercial solicitation is not allowed in the township on Sundays and legal holidays, and that anyone under the age of 18 delivering newspapers, taking orders for goods such as candy and greeting cards or knocking to represent a scouting organization are exempt from the new ordinance.

This story was originally published March 11, 2024 at 1:22 PM.