The Village regularly gets questions about people going door-to-door to sell products, collect donations, or promote causes. The answers below explain what the Village regulates, what your rights are as a resident, and what to do if you have a concern.
Door-to-door activity in Winthrop Harbor is governed by Chapter 117 of the Village Code: Solicitors, Canvassers, Peddlers, Itinerant Merchants and Transient Vendors.
Read Chapter 117Information for Solicitors & Canvassers
Winthrop Harbor is a friendly, close-knit community, and we value the privacy and peace of mind of every resident. We welcome those who visit our Village to share information or offer goods and services, and we ask that you respect our community and follow our local rules while you're here.
The Winthrop Harbor Police Department enforces the Village's solicitation ordinances (Chapter 117 of the Village Code). Thank you for helping us keep Winthrop Harbor a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Download Solicitor Permit ApplicationBefore You Visit
- Register or get a permit first. All solicitors, canvassers, and peddlers must register with or obtain a permit from the Village Clerk before going door to door. Not-for-profit organizations register with the Village, and for-profit businesses must apply for a permit. Contact the Village Clerk's office at 847-872-3846 for an application.
- Carry your permit card. Approved solicitors receive a permit card, which must be carried at all times and shown to residents or officers upon request.
While You're in Our Community
- Respect our hours. Door-to-door solicitation is permitted only between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays.
- Respect posted signs. If a home displays a "No Solicitors" sign, please do not knock or ring, even if you have a permit. If a sign says only registered solicitors are welcome, you must have your permit with you.
- Leave when asked. If a resident asks you to leave, please do so right away and peacefully.
- Keep it quiet. Horns, bells, loudspeakers, or shouting to attract attention to goods for sale are not permitted.
Solicitors who violate these rules may be cited, and their permits may be revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Village regulate door-to-door solicitors?
Yes. Solicitors must register with the Village Clerk, and canvassers and peddlers must obtain a permit signed by the Village Clerk before going door-to-door in the Village (§ 117.03). They must also follow the rules in Chapter 117, including honoring any notice posted at a residence. Federal and state law limit how far the Village can go in regulating solicitation. There is no such limit on you: as a resident, you always have the right to refuse solicitors on your property.
How do I stop solicitors from coming to my door?
Post a sign. The Village Clerk's office provides free weatherproof cards for display on or near your main entrance door (§ 117.07). Once posted, the card serves as legal notice, and ringing your doorbell or knocking in defiance of it is a violation of Village Code (§ 117.10). Cards are available at Village Hall, 830 Sheridan Road.
Do solicitors have to identify themselves?
Registered solicitors and permitted canvassers and peddlers are issued documentation by the Village and should be able to show it when asked. If someone cannot produce proof of registration or a permit, you are not required to speak with them. Please report the activity to the Winthrop Harbor Police Department so officers can follow up.
Why doesn't the Village just ban door-to-door solicitation?
The First Amendment protects door-to-door solicitation, including commercial sales, and the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down outright bans. Municipalities may only regulate the time, place, and manner of solicitation. Homeowners and occupants, however, have the final say over whether solicitors are welcome at their home, and the Village Code backs up that choice.
A solicitor was pushy or rude. What can I do?
The Village does not regulate a salesperson's demeanor or sales style. You can, however, ask any solicitor to leave at any time, and the Village Code requires them to depart immediately and peacefully when an occupant asks, even if they were invited in (§ 117.08). If they refuse, call the Police. Every resident has the right to feel safe in their own home. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, call 911. If you believe a solicitor is breaking the law, contact the Police right away so officers can locate the individuals and investigate.
What about donation bins and collection boxes?
Any person or organization placing a bin or other object to collect contributions must first register with the Village, and the registration must be displayed on the object. Unregistered bins are subject to penalties and removal by the Village (§ 117.08(C)).
What about energy supplier salespeople?
Be especially careful with door-to-door sales of electricity or natural gas supply. The Village of Winthrop Harbor never sends anyone door-to-door to sign residents up with an energy supplier. Salespeople may not claim to represent the Village or your utility. Before switching, compare rates and contract terms on your own, and contact the supplier directly if you decide to enroll. The Illinois Commerce Commission's Plug In Illinois website (pluginillinois.org) offers tools for comparing supplier offers.
Your safety comes first. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 immediately. If you believe a solicitor is violating the law, contact the Winthrop Harbor Police Department so officers can investigate.
Questions?
Contact the Village Clerk's office at Village Hall, 830 Sheridan Road, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096, for sign cards, registration information, or questions about the ordinance. For safety concerns, contact the Winthrop Harbor Police Department.
The Board of Trustees may have adopted ordinances that have not yet been added to the online code.
See the Village's Municipal Code page for the latest updates