How Matthews Handles Soliciting & Door-to-Door: A Practical Guide

Matthews maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with soliciting & door-to-door. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Matthews falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

No-Knock Registry

Matthews honors No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs posted on residential property. Solicitors ignoring posted signs face second-degree trespass charges under N.C.G.S. 14-159.13.

Key details: Posted Signs: Legal notice. Trespass: N.C.G.S. 14-159.13. Penalty: Class 3 misdemeanor. Registry: None maintained.

Second-degree trespass: Class 3 misdemeanor, fine up to $200 and/or up to 20 days jail. Permit revocation for repeat violators.

Solicitor Permits

Matthews requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a peddler/solicitor permit from Town Hall. Application includes background check, ID badge, and fee. Solicitation hours limited to 9 AM to 7 PM Monday-Saturday.

Key details: Permit: Required - Town Clerk. Background: PD check required. Hours: 9 AM-7 PM Mon-Sat. Badge: Must be visible.

Unlicensed solicitation: Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500 civil penalty. Operating outside hours or on No Soliciting properties subject to citation and trespass.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Matthews actively enforces its solicitor permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Matthews'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 Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Matthews can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.