Manchester No-Knock Registry Now Available

MANCHESTER, NJ -- If you're a Manchester Township resident who no longer wants to receive door-to-door visits from vendors, you can sign up for the township's newly created "no-knock" registry.

The Township Council approved the registry by ordinance on March 14, and the registry took effect today, April 5.

The registry allows residents to register with the township clerk indicating that they do not want hawkers, peddlers, solicitors or canvassers to approach their homes and/or seek contact with the occupants of the registered home, according to a news release.

Being registered in the "No Knock” registry does not prohibit door-to-door solicitation by nonprofit, charitable, religious or political organizations, as these types of solicitations are protected by the First Amendment, officials said.

Registration can be completed through a form made available by the Township Clerk's Office.

“This ordinance is designed to protect our residents’ quality of life while they are enjoying the peace and quiet of their own home,” Mayor Kenneth Palmer said.

Council President James Vaccaro said the township thoroughly researched the issue before approving the ordinance, investigating how other municipalities handle the issue and tailoring the program to Manchester.

“We want to improve the quality of life here in Manchester Township, and the ‘No Knock’ ordinance addresses an ongoing issue facing our residents,” Vaccaro said.

Once registered, a self-adhering “No Knock” window sticker will be provided to residents free of charge if picked up at the clerk’s office during normal business hours.

Residents may elect to apply by mail and have their sticker delivered for a $1 processing and mailing fee (checks can be made payable to “Manchester Township”).

Registration are available on the township's website, www.manchestertwp.com as of April 5; click here to access the form directly. You will need to print it and fill it out, then return it to the clerk's office.

The clerk's office will maintain the “No Knock” registry.

Vendors must inspect the list and cannot approach any residence on the list, or face a fine of up to $1,000, 90 days in prison, or 90 days community service. The registry will be provided to any licensee who is issued a license to conduct door-to-door sales pursuant to Manchester Township Code #301-21.