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Knock, knock... who's there? 

By Bridget Smith,

Frankenmuth City Manager

  Tired of having your dinner interrupted by a doorbell ring from an unwanted salesperson? The City of Frankenmuth and Frankenmuth Township have a solution. Both communities now have an ordinance that allows residents to register their homes on a "no-knock" list.

  This new list is designed to help residents who want peace and quiet from door-to-door salespeople, also known as solicitors and peddlers. Here’s how it works: residents can sign up with the local Clerk's office to have their address added to a list. The City or Township then gives this list to anyone who applies for a license to go door-to-door to sell things or services.

  The goal is to let salespeople know which houses they should avoid. If a licensed solicitor knocks on a door that is on the "no-knock" list, they could face a penalty. The ordinance also permits solicitations only between the hours of 10 am and 8 pm.

Who Does the Ordinance Apply To?

  It's important to know that this new rule doesn't stop everyone from knocking on your door. The ordinance is mainly for people who are trying to sell you something. In Michigan, “no knock” solicitation ordinances have to be balanced by the First Amendment and court precedent. Communities have to balance a resident’s right to privacy with the right to free speech. That means that a community’s rules have to serve a legitimate government interest, like preventing crime.

  It does not apply to people who are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which is the right to free speech. This means that certain groups can still come to your door, even if you are on the list. These include:

• Political candidates and their supporters: They are allowed to share information about their campaigns and issues.
• Your Neighbors: Persons soliciting within one mile of their residence for an educational, charitable, religious, or youth organization.
• Religious organizations: People sharing their beliefs are also not affected by the ordinance.

  So, while you might still get a visit from a local politician or a church group, you can now get a little more peace from other types of solicitors.

  If you are a resident who wants to be added to the "no-knock" list, please visit frankenmuthcity.com and look for the “No Knock” registration or call 989-652-9901. The City also has a free laminated window decal for City residents available at the City office, during regular business hours.

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