April 4, 2016
Residents who no longer wish to receive door-to-door visits from vendors are invited to sign up for Manchester Township’s newly created “No Knock” Registry beginning Tuesday, April 5. Approved by the Township Council on March 14, the registry permits all residents to register with the Township Clerk indicating that they do not want hawkers, peddlers, solicitors or canvassers to approach their homes and/or seek contact with the occupants of the registered home. Registration can be completed through a form made available by the Township Clerk’s Office.
“This ordinance is designed to protect our residents’ quality of life while they are enjoying the peace and quiet of their own home,” said Mayor Kenneth Palmer. Council President James Vaccaro added that the Township thoroughly researched the issue before approving the ordinance, investigating how other municipalities handle the issue and tailoring the program to Manchester Township. “We want to improve the quality of life here in Manchester Township, and the ‘No Knock’ ordinance addresses an ongoing issue facing our residents,” he said.
Once registered, a self-adhering “No Knock” window sticker will be provided to residents free of charge if picked up at the Township Clerk’s Office during normal business hours. Residents may elect to apply by mail and have their sticker delivered for a $1.00 processing and mailing fee (checks can be made payable to “Manchester Township”). Registration forms will be made available through the “Township Clerk” tab at www.ManchesterTwp.com beginning April 5.
The Township Clerk’s Office will maintain the “No Knock” Registry. Vendors must inspect the list and cannot approach any residence on the list, or face a fine of up to $1,000, 90 days in prison, or 90 days community service. The registry will be provided to any licensee who is issued a license to conduct door-to-door sales pursuant to Manchester Township Code #301-21. It should be noted that registration upon the “No Knock” Registry does not prohibit door-to-door solicitation by non-profit, charitable, religious or political organizations, as these types of solicitations are protected by the First Amendment.