Ulster County, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

NY Penal Law §140.05 (Trespass) makes it a violation to knowingly enter or remain unlawfully on premises, including when a posted No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign is ignored. Aggravated cases fall under §140.10 (Criminal Trespass 3rd Degree, a Class B misdemeanor). City of Kingston Code Chapter 280 (Peddling and Soliciting) requires commercial solicitors to carry a city-issued permit and respect posted No Soliciting signs; violations are unclassified misdemeanors punishable by up to $250 fine or 15 days. Town of New Paltz Local Law Chapter 103 requires solicitor licensing through the Town Clerk and respects posted signs. Town of Saugerties, Woodstock, Ulster, and Rosendale maintain similar ordinances. Religious and political canvassing is protected by the First Amendment (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society v. Village of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150 (2002)) and cannot be required to hold commercial permits, but solicitors still must respect posted No Trespassing signs. Do-Not-Knock registries are maintained by several towns — residents register their address and solicitors must check the list before approaching homes.