Township Approves Solicitation Ordinance

With a few amendments, the White Lake was unanimously approved by the township board Tuesday night at the regular township meeting.

The ordinance, which will limit approved solicitation in the township between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., will require any business going door to door in the township to get a permit. This ordinance does not apply to religious organizations, non-profits or groups like the Girl Scouts.

In addition to a background check through the  and an application to be filed with the township, any potential solicitors must also submit evidence of sales tax permits.

The ordinance also states that solicitors would not be allowed to solicit in subdivisions or at homes and businesses where "no solicitor" signs are posted. According to the ordinance, any solicitors found in violation of the ordinance would be subject to civil fines up to $500.

The interest in adopting a solicitation ordinance was sparked by about pushy door-to-door natural gas salespeople.

The township has not yet set fees for the licenses. A fee schedule will be decided soon and the cost will be enough, according to board members, to cover the cost of conducting the background check.