The No-Knock List is a no-go in Carmel.
The Carmel City Council approved several changes to its ordinance regarding door-to-door vendors at its June 18 meeting, but creating a No Knock List was not one of them.
At its June 4 meeting, the council had discussed creating a No-Knock List, which would have been similar to the Do Not Call Registry. Those interested in joining the list would have signed up for free with the Carmel Police Dept. and received a No-Knock sticker to display on their door or a No Soliciting sign to place near their walkway. Solicitors would have been required to check addresses against the list before going door-to-door and would pay a fine of $400 for each violation.
But at the June 13 Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee meeting, councilors decided the issue needed more research. Council and committee member Ron Carter said they discovered several “logistics problems” as they considered the No-Knock List, such as vendors using it to target households through direct mail.
“It’s not an idea that’s well thought out enough to include in an ordinance,” he said, adding that the council may reconsider it at a later date.
Council President Kevin “Woody” Rider offered a way for residents to avoid door-to-door solicitors without the help of an ordinance.
“When it comes to No-Knock, just don’t answer your door,” he said.
All vendors — including Scouts — will need license to sell
When Girl Scout cookie season rolls around next year, troop members selling the treats door-to-door in Carmel will need a license and a criminal history report to avoid violating city code.
The Carmel City Council voted at its June 18 meeting to make several changes to its ordinance regarding door-to-door solicitors in response to updates in federal law that prevent municipalities from treating door-to-door solicitors from commercial entities and non-profit organizations differently.
The changes, approved 6-0, state that all door-to-door vendors seeking to make a sale must first obtain a license and pay $20 for a criminal background check. This includes Girl Scouts selling cookies or anyone else selling items to benefit a nonprofit, a category previously exempted.
This story will be updated
