(A) (1) Except in those instances where the materials have been specifically contracted for by the person in possession of any premises, it shall be unlawful for any person to distribute, cast, throw, affix, post, attach to a doorknob, or otherwise place any advertising literature, handbill, pamphlet, circular, dodger, or advertising sample, or any other advertising paper or device, relating to any business or commercial activity; or any newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, or other printed or written matter, sample or device of a predominantly noncommercial nature where there is posted or placed in a conspicuous place near the front door entrance or on the premises, a sign with letters a minimum of three- eighths of an inch high containing the words: “no solicitation, no distribution.”
(2) To obtain the protections provided by this section, it shall be the responsibility of the person in possession of any premises to obtain and place the “no solicitation, no distribution” sign.
(B) There is created a rebuttable presumption that any such device, sample or paper that is distributed, whether an advertising-type publication or news-type publication, has been caused to be so distributed by the person identified as the publisher of such material. (‘72 Code, § 13-52)
(C) (1) It shall be the duty of the person in possession of any premises who desires that occupants of the premises remain undisturbed by the visit of uninvited solicitors, peddlers, vendors, itinerant merchants or other door-to-door canvassers or hawkers, to post in a conspicuous place near the front door entrance or on the premises a “no solicitation, no distribution” sign. (‘72 Code, § 13-53)
(2) It shall be unlawful for any such uninvited solicitors, peddlers, vendors, itinerant merchants, or other door-to-door canvassers or hawkers to visit, go upon, or knock, ring doorbells, or make any other noise at any premises that have been posted as prescribed in this section. (‘72 Code, § 13-54)
(D) Agencies of the federal, state, county and City government, and all licensed and regulated public utilities shall be exempt from the provisions of this section, but only with respect to communications or distribution of materials with their citizens or customers concerning matters of official business, e.g., distribution of all articles upon which United States postage has been paid, notices of violation, utility bills, telephone directories, package delivery notices, and the like. (‘72 Code, § 13-55)
(Ord. O-76-99, passed 12-15-76; Am. Ord. O-77-44, passed 5-18-77; Am. Ord. O-2010-23, passed 6-16-10; Am. Ord. O-2022-15, passed 9-21-22) Penalty, see § 112.99