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

The no-solicitation rule in Chapter 737 of the Elyria Codified Ordinances works through a sign on the property. Under § 737.12, persons who do not wish to have any soliciting, canvassing or peddling done upon their premises post in a conspicuous place a sign that says "No Solicitors" or words of similar import. The consequence is stated in the same section: any solicitor, canvasser or peddler who fails to honor the sign is deemed to have committed a trespass. The chapter's cross references point to Trespassing in the General Offenses Code at § 541.05.

Hours are set by § 737.11. All soliciting, canvassing or peddling done under a registration issued under the chapter must take place between 10:00 a.m. and sundown. A registered solicitor works inside that window only.

The sign rule sits on top of the registration requirement in § 737.02, so a solicitor holding an identification card still has to honor a posted sign, because § 737.12 reaches any solicitor, canvasser or peddler. The card, issued under § 737.05, must be worn on outer apparel at all times during soliciting and shown to anyone who asks, so a resident at the door can ask to see it.

The people covered are those who meet the definition in § 737.01: individuals who travel from place to place, house to house or street to street selling or taking orders for goods, wares, merchandise or services. The definition leaves out minors under 16, local newspaper delivery, food products under the Department of Health's jurisdiction, and sales made exclusively to commercial or industrial enterprises. Registration, fees and appeals for solicitors are handled by the Safety-Service Director and the Mayor under the rest of the chapter.