Reprint of 3/5/14 COEL News Release.

14-052
March 5, 2014

EAST LANSING, Mich. With spring approaching, there will likely be an increase in solicitors and peddlers in East Lansings neighborhoods. With that in mind, the East Lansing City Clerks office would like to provide the following information to community members:

§ Solicitors/peddlers must apply for and receive a permit through the East Lansing City Clerks office. As a part of that permit process, the individual is required to submit fingerprints and a criminal background check is conducted.

§ A solicitor/peddler who comes to a neighbors door must have a City-issued permit with them. Community members should make sure to ask to see the permit.

§ If the solicitor/peddler does not have a permit, community members can advise the individual to contact the East Lansing City Clerks office for information on how to apply for one.

§ Community members can also report the unlicensed solicitor or peddler by calling the East Lansing Police Departments non-emergency number at (517) 351-4220 ext. 2. An officer will be dispatched to the neighborhood to make contact with the individual(s). The incident can also be reported to the East Lansing City Clerks office by calling (517) 351-6914. In the case of a safety concern, dial 911.

§ Solicitors and peddlers with permits are prohibited from:

1.) Entering a residence under a pretense other than for soliciting or peddling.
2.) Remaining in a private residence after being asked to leave.
3.) Entering the premises of a private residence to solicit or peddle when the occupant has displayed a no soliciting or no peddling sign.
4.) Soliciting or peddling prior to 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. unless a prior invitation by the occupant has been granted.

Community members with questions can contact the East Lansing City Clerks office at (517) 319-6914.