The purpose of this agenda items is for the City Council to discuss, review, and consider approval of the Amendment to Article 14 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding Solicitation in the City of Bee Cave.

The current ordinance regarding solicitation and peddlers in the City of Bee Cave was reviewed and found to be under the purview of the Police Department (PD) to issue permits, however, state law prohibits police departments from using their background checks system for this type of activity. Upon suggestion of the PD and concurrence of the City Manager and Planning and Development Department, it was determined that such permits could be more efficiently and effectively processed via the permitting department under Planning and Development. 

In reviewing the ordinance, changes were recommended and deemed necessary, including the ability to run background checks through the permitting department instead of the Police Department, and to refuse issuance of a solicitation permit if certain criminal or other offenses are found. It also updates the ability to prevent solicitation at residents’ homes after dark, the ability to revoke a solicitation permit if valid complaints are received, and the requirement that a permit and identification be presented by the solicitor if requested by a home owner, police officer or official. This was determined to be an effective and important update to the solicitation ordinance so that it can be more safely and efficiently administered, and assist the process of permitting solicitation in the City of Bee Cave for the Police Department.