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

Ridgewood maintains 73 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 Ridgewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

No-Knock Registry

Ridgewood prohibits any peddling, soliciting, or canvassing between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. and bars solicitors from approaching homes that post a clear no-solicitation notice.

Key details: Allowed hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Posted signs: Must be respected. Enforcement: Police and Clerk. Code source: Chapter 218.

Soliciting outside permitted hours, or ignoring posted no-solicitation signs, can lead to citations, fines, and revocation of any registration certificate. Repeat offenders may face additional penalties.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on no-knock registry. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Solicitor Permits

Ridgewood Chapter 218 requires every peddler, solicitor, or canvasser to obtain a certificate of registration from the Village Clerk and visibly display a Village-issued identification card while working in the Village.

Key details: Code section: Chapter 218. Issuing office: Village Clerk. ID requirement: Display Village card. Exempt: Charitable and political.

Soliciting without a valid certificate or after expiration is unlawful and subject to fines and possible suspension or denial of future certificates under the Village's general penalty schedule.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ridgewood 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.