CITY OF BELLVILLE ADVISES RESIDENTS TO BE CAUTIOUS WITH SOLICITORS FOLLOWING STORMS

  

As Bellville residents recover after last week’s severe storms that damaged cars, trees and homes, the city is reminding them to be careful when dealing with any companies going door to door and offering repairs.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Bellville Police Department said the city has received several vendor permit applications from roofing companies. 

The city said it is “bound by state and federal law” to approve vendors that meet the minimum permit requirements, which include a background check.  Further, the city said it “is not in a position to recommend, nor endorse, any specific vendor that has been granted a permit for door to door solicitation.”

Homeowners and renters are encouraged to research and look into any vendors that may be soliciting for business.

According to the City of Bellville’s Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful for anyone to be a peddler or solicitor without first obtaining a permit from the city.  The solicitation cannot be done between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Solicitors cannot go onto private property if there is signage near the main entrance indicating that soliciting and peddling are prohibited.  They also cannot remain on the private property if the property owner or occupant has requested for them to leave. 

The full ordinance can be viewed here.