GUILFORD, CT — Patch reported that the Guilford Board of Selectmen will convene a hearing at Town Hall Monday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 a.m. on a proposed amendment creating a registry for owners seeking to bar uninvited commercial solicitors.
The town's home page also announces the hearing on the proposed "No Commercial Solicitation Registry." Patch reported that the hearing is scheduled for the start of the board's regular meeting at Guilford Town Hall, 31 Park St.
Owners Would Register With the Police Department
According to Patch, the draft would require owners to file a form identifying themselves and their property and stating that uninvited commercial solicitors are unwelcome. A sign would not be necessary. The registration would stay in effect unless the registrant or an authorized subsequent owner withdrew it in writing.
Patch reported that the Police Department would keep the registry. Licensed commercial solicitors would need to consult it before going onto residential property. They would be barred from knowingly entering or remaining on a registered property to sell goods or services, take orders or set up sales appointments. A knowing violation is subject to the existing Chapter 218 penalty, capped at $199 per offense.
The Proposal Preserves Invited Visits and Noncommercial Activity
The draft would allow commercial visitors if an owner or lawful occupant had specifically invited them. Political, religious, charitable, civic, educational and other noncommercial activities would remain permitted. Occupants could still tell anyone to leave their private property.