(a) Any person desiring to prohibit home solicitations on the person’s residential premises shall exhibit in a conspicuous place upon or near the front or main entrance to the residential premises a weatherproof sign containing the words, “NO SOLICITORS OR HANDBILLS,” or any similar notice indicating that the occupants of the premises do not desire to be bothered, have their right of privacy disturbed, or have commercial printed matter left upon the premises.
(b) Every home solicitor, before going onto any residential premises, or placing, depositing, or distributing commercial printed matter upon any residential premises, shall first examine the premises to determine if any sign prohibiting home solicitations is exhibited upon or near the front or main entrance to the premises. If such a sign is exhibited, the home solicitor shall immediately depart from the premises without disturbing the owner or occupant or leaving any commercial printed matter. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the visit was the result of a request or an appointment made by the owner or occupant or that the particular commercial printed matter was left on the premises with the express consent of the owner or occupant.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person, either personally or through an agent, engages in or attempts to engage in a home solicitation at a residential premises if a sign is exhibited on the premises in accordance with Subsection (a). It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the visit was the result of a request or an appointment made by the owner or occupant of the residential premises or that the particular commercial printed matter was left on the premises with the express consent of the owner or occupant.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person removes, defaces, or renders illegible a sign placed by the owner or occupant on residential premises in accordance with Subsection (a) of this section. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the person was the owner or occupant of the premises or an agent of the owner or occupant.
(e) Any home solicitor who has gained entrance to a residential premises, or an audience with the owner or occupant, whether invited or not, shall immediately depart from the premises without disturbing the owner or occupant further when requested to leave by the owner or occupant. (Ord. Nos. 14300; 29245, eff. 4-22-14)