Title
Ordinance - An Ordinance of The City Of Mansfield, Texas Replacing Chapter 111 “Peddlers and Solicitors” of The City Of Mansfield, Texas, Code Of Ordinances in its Entirety
Requested Action
Approval of an ordinance to replace Chapter 111 of the Code of Ordinances
Recommendation
Approval of Ordinance Replacement
Description/History
The current ordinance has become outdated, doesn’t adequately address the issues citizens currently face relating to solicitors, and needs further clarification in several areas. In lieu of making many piecemeal amendments, it is more beneficial to adopt a new ordinance entirely.
The new proposed ordinance is divided into three articles. The first article provides a purpose; thorough definitions; exemptions to regulation; general regulations which provide permissible parameters for solicitation activities and impermissible acts; regulations addressing solicitation in the right-of-way; regulations addressing solicitation from a vehicle; and penalty provisions.
The second article addresses permit requirements and procedures, including revocation, suspension, and appeals.
The third article is limited to solicitation of funds. It prohibits aggressive and intimidating solicitation; prohibits solicitation in any outdoor area at prohibited times if certain defenses are not met; prohibits solicitation within a solicitation-free zone, which is an area or structure which provides any service, retail sales or entertainment for the general public and includes any parking lot used for customer parking associated with those areas or structures; prohibits solicitation within 50 feet of certain areas such as ATMs, entrances or banks, and fuel pumps; and prohibits certain solicitations within a right-of-way and those conducted by vehicle.
Justification
City staff recommends the City Council amend Chapter 111 of the Code of Ordinances to allow staff
the ability to properly address the issues currently faced by our citizens.
Fu...
Click here for full text