As of Thursday, Sept. 3, every door-to-door solicitor knocking in Cottonwood Heights is operating without a city-approved license.

Not one has been issued.

Police Chief Robby Russo announced that the Cottonwood Heights Police Department (CHPD) will take a zero-tolerance approach to enforcing the city's solicitation ordinance, the Cottonwood Heights Journal reported Sept. 3. Anyone selling door-to-door without registering and obtaining a city certificate faces a Class B misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

"I imagine citing a few of them would make this problem go away pretty quickly," Russo said. "We can start citing people and get the bail schedule set."

Russo presented the solicitation issue to the Cottonwood Heights City Council during an Aug. 4 work session, according to the city's meeting agenda. The city's September newsletter, written by Russo, reiterated the enforcement stance and urged residents to verify credentials before engaging with any solicitor.

Under Chapter 5.86 of the Cottonwood Heights Code of Ordinances, solicitors may only knock between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. They must respect "No Soliciting" signs, even if someone appears to be home. Any resident can ask a solicitor to leave, and the solicitor is required to depart immediately.

The newsletter warns residents not to rely on a company shirt, a company-issued badge, a clipboard or a vehicle logo as proof that a solicitor is authorized. Residents can ask to see a city-issued certificate.

Not everyone knocking on doors falls under the ordinance. Exemptions cover Utah state-licensed professionals, religious and political canvassers, deliveries or services a resident previously requested, charities and students raising funds for approved school programs. Councilmember Matthew Holton noted that Boy Scouts and school fundraising are specifically exempt.

No resident is required to speak with a solicitor or open the door. If a solicitor becomes aggressive, threatens a resident, attempts to force entry or refuses to leave, the city advises calling 911.

For non-emergency complaints about solicitors, residents can call CHPD dispatch at 801-840-4000, available around the clock.