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Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Franklin's Soliciting & Door-to-Door: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Franklin, Tennessee, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Solicitor Permits

Franklin requires peddlers, solicitors, and itinerant merchants to obtain an individual city permit before going door-to-door, issued only after a police background investigation.

Key details: Permit: Required before soliciting door-to-door. Issued by: Revenue and licensing manager. Screening: Police background investigation. Term: Expires 1 year from issuance. Exempt: Wholesalers, newsboys, charities.

Soliciting without a permit, or filing a false application, draws a fine under the city's fee schedule, and each unlawful solicitation is a separate offense; permits can also be revoked for fraud or misconduct.

Compared to other cities, Franklin takes a harder line on solicitor permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

No-Knock Registry

Door-to-door solicitors in Franklin must leave immediately if a resident posts a sign saying solicitors aren't welcome, and can only knock between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Key details: Allowed hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (8 p.m. DST). Days: Monday through Saturday only. Posted sign: Solicitor must leave immediately. Also applies to: Charitable solicitors, § 9-306. Violation: Deemed a trespass.

Ignoring a posted 'not welcome' sign or a resident's request to leave is a trespass violation; soliciting outside the 9 a.m.-7 p.m. window is also a code violation subject to fine and possible permit revocation.

The Bottom Line

Franklin's soliciting & door-to-door rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Franklin is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Franklin's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.