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Columbus, OH Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Signs Respected
Yes. No Soliciting and No Trespassing
Trespass Law
ORC §2911.21
Penalty
Fourth-degree misdemeanor for trespass
Reporting
Call Columbus Police non-emergency line
Enforcement
Criminal trespass charges available

Summary

Columbus respects 'No Soliciting' and 'No Trespassing' signs posted on residential property. Under Columbus City Code and Ohio trespass law, solicitors who ignore posted signs may be cited for trespassing. Residents may register on the city's Do Not Knock list where available.

Section 2911.21 | Criminal trespass.

(A) No person, without privilege to do so, shall do any of the following:

(1) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of another;

(2) Knowingly enter or remain on the land or premises of another, the use of which is lawfully restricted to certain persons, purposes, modes, or hours, when the offender knows the offender is in violation of any such restriction or is reckless in that regard;

(3) Recklessly enter or remain on the land or premises of another, as to which notice against unauthorized access or presence is given by actual communication to the offender, or in a manner prescribed by law, or by posting in a manner reasonably calculated to come to the attention of potential intruders, or by fencing or other enclosure manifestly designed to restrict access;

(4) Being on the land or premises of another, negligently fail or refuse to leave upon being notified by signage posted in a conspicuous place or otherwise being notified to do so by the owner or occupant, or the agent or servant of either;

(5) Knowingly enter or remain on a critical infrastructure facility.

(B) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the land or premises involved was owned, controlled, or in custody of a public agency.

(C) It is no defense to a charge under this section that the offender was authorized to enter or remain on the land or premises involved, when such authorization was secured by deception. (D)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of criminal trespass. Criminal trespass in violation of division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

Source: Ohio Revised Code §2911.21 — Criminal TrespassView official code

Full Breakdown

Homeowners may post 'No Soliciting' signs to deter unwanted solicitors. Under Columbus City Code Chapter 523 and Ohio criminal trespass law (ORC §2911.21), solicitors who ignore posted signs or verbal requests to leave may be charged with trespassing. The city encourages residents to report aggressive or unlicensed solicitors to police.

Violations & Fines

Ignoring a 'No Soliciting' sign or refusing to leave after being asked may constitute criminal trespass under Ohio law, punishable as a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 'No Soliciting' sign stop door-to-door salespeople?
A posted 'No Soliciting' sign gives legal backing to your request. Solicitors who ignore the sign may be cited for criminal trespass under Ohio law (ORC §2911.21). Report violations to Columbus Police.
What do I do if a solicitor won't leave my property?
Verbally ask them to leave. If they refuse, call Columbus Police non-emergency line. Refusing to leave after being asked constitutes criminal trespass under Ohio law, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbus

All Columbus rules

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