FAQs • Sterling Heights, MI • CivicEngage

Do individuals from political and religious groups need a license if they go door-to-door to promote their cause?: No. Simply spreading a message, whether religious or political, is an activity long-protected by the First Amendment. Because these individuals are not trying to sell anything and are not asking for money, it is much more difficult to justify a licensing requirement under the First Amendment, because the potential harm to residents is much lower. However, if these individuals are also seeking donations or they are selling items for fundraising, then yes, they do need to pre-register with the City. The registration requirements are not as restrictive as the licensing requirements for commercial sellers, but because the potential for fraud upon residents is much higher when money is being sought, a pre-registration requirement will be imposed. Residents should ask anyone who is seeking funds to see their City license or registration.

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Door-to-Door Sales

1. Do individuals from political and religious groups need a license if they go door-to-door to promote their cause?: No. Simply spreading a message, whether religious or political, is an activity long-protected by the First Amendment. Because these individuals are not trying to sell anything and are not asking for money, it is much more difficult to justify a licensing requirement under the First Amendment, because the potential harm to residents is much lower. However, if these individuals are also seeking donations or they are selling items for fundraising, then yes, they do need to pre-register with the City. The registration requirements are not as restrictive as the licensing requirements for commercial sellers, but because the potential for fraud upon residents is much higher when money is being sought, a pre-registration requirement will be imposed. Residents should ask anyone who is seeking funds to see their City license or registration.

2. Does the City restrict the hours that individuals may solicit?: Yes. They may only solicit between the hours of 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Standard Time and 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Daylight Savings Time.

3. What should I do if an individual solicits at my home and ignores the “NO SOLICITORS” or “NO TRESPASSING” sign that I have posted on or near my door?: Remain calm and evaluate the situation. If the person made an innocent mistake, you should point out your sign and send the person away (or don’t answer the door in the first place). If the person seems aggressive or tries to persuade you to continue the conversation, you should lock your doors and contact the Police Department. During your conversation with the individual, try to take good visual notes – the color of the person’s hair, the person’s clothing, the person’s car or vehicle, whether the person was acting on behalf of any particular agency or business, etc. The Police can then check the area and apprehend the individual.

4. What should I do if someone solicits from me, I ask for the person’s license or registration, and the person is not able or is not willing to provide one?: Remain calm, send the individual away, and contact the Police Department to provide a description of the individual.