Solicitors in CPN – Know the Laws
by Terri Wiebold
There is a knock at the door. On the other side of the peep hole stands a man, unfamiliar to you, carrying a clipboard with a smile on his face. What to do? This is a decision many Castle Pines North (CPN) residents will face this spring as door-to-door solicitors begin making rounds throughout the community.
Although solicitation is allowed in unincorporated areas of Douglas County, there are guidelines that must be adhered to in order for the solicitation to be legal.
With the exception of anyone acting on behalf of a non-profit organization, any person engaged in door-to-door selling of merchandise or goods within CPN is required by Douglas County Ordinance No.0-996-002 to register with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) through the Records Unit.
All registrants will be issued a solicitor registration card which includes the business name, address, telephone number and description of merchandise or goods to be sold. Individuals who engage in selling door-to-door must possess this solicitor card issued by the Sheriff’s Office and must display it in a conspicuous place.
Any person who violates this ordinance should be reported to the DCSO immediately and, if found guilty, may be punished by a fine of not more than $600 for each separate violation.
Stranger Posing as Comcast Service Technician in Highlands Ranch –
A recent report by the DCSO indicated that a man was going door-to-door in Highlands Ranch posing as a Comcast service technician. The individual was most likely looking to “case” the neighborhood for easy targets to burglarize. The man could also have been knocking on doors to determine who was home and who was not.
Sheriff Weaver advises residents to use good common sense when it comes to possible solicitors and service personnel that may knock on doors. “If you are expecting someone at your home for repairs or service, check the work order before allowing them to come in,” said Weaver. “Ask to see proper identification, and if it seems suspicious call the company and verify who the person is,” he urged. “If you are not expecting any service even though the person says they have a work order, call the Sheriff’s Office right away.”
One way to deter unwanted solicitors is to post “No Solicitation” signs by the front door. Check with individual HOAs for guidelines prior to posting. When in doubt, ignore the doorbell and keep the door locked.
Remember to report suspicious activity to the DCSO at 303-660-7505.
