Mahwah Council Approves Updated 'No-Knock' Ordinance

MAHWAH, NJ — The Township Council unanimously approved an updated ordinance Thursday requiring solicitors and peddlers to get a permit and submit to a background check before being allowed to go door to door.

It was standing-room only at the council's public meeting where people expressed their approval of the ordinance.

"The ordinance is fair and unbiased," said Council President Robert Hermansen, who noted that the ordinance was sent to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office for review. "All we're asking is for people to register."

The 'no-knock' ordinance sheds light on a concern that residents have about Orthodox Jews allegedly trying to expand into the area from Rockland County in New York by purchasing real estate in the area.

"Residents have spoken loud and clear, we don't want people knocking on our doors," said Vince Crandon.

Such ordinances exist in towns in New York along the New Jersey border with large populations of Orthodox Jews, NorthJersey.com reported. Area residents of the region have complained of Orthodox Jews visiting them and sending them mail to pressure them to put their homes up for sale, according to the report.

The ordinance was created to "prevent fraud, crime, undue public annoyance and unethical and dishonest solicitation and canvassing practices within the township," the legislation states.

The law requires residents to register with the town in an effort to ban solicitors and peddlers from coming on private property. The town clerk will update the list monthly. Registered homeowners may display a notice stating solicitors are not allowed on their property.

Solicitors may only operate from 10 a.m. to sunset Sundays through Saturdays. The regulation does not apply to mobile food vendors or ice cream trucks, which may operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

First-time violators are subject to a fine of between $100 and $750. The maximum penalty for subsequent offenses is $1,250.

The regulations do not apply to election candidates, solicitors from charities and nonprofits, census-takers, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts or similar youth groups.

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Pixabay