The City of Lake Charles and the Ward 3 Lake Charles City Marshal’s Office have received numerous complaints within the last week regarding door-to-door solicitors operating within the corporate limits. The City wishes to remind the public of its city code requirements and procedures in respect to door-to-door solicitations.

Sec. 12-38 of the City of Lake Charles’ Code of Ordinances provides that “any person or organization desiring to solicit funds, including contributions or payment of any kind or the distributing of literature which solicits contributions or payments, by going in or upon private residences in the city or by going in or on any office building, place of business, or other public building within the municipality uninvited to solicit, or to represent to solicit shall first obtain a written registration therefor from the director of finance.” The commission of any of the above mentioned acts without written registration from the City is punishable as a misdemeanor offense subject to a fine and/or a term of imprisonment.

Door-to-door solicitation registrations are valid for a period of time not to exceed 90 days. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the ordinance states that the registrants are restricted to single uninvited visits to the main entrance of the same premises during the term of registration. Each registrant must wear a valid photo identification issued by the City. The ordinance states that registrants shall not go uninvited to any private residence, place of business, or office where “No Trespassing” or “No Solicitors” signs are properly posted on the premises. Violations of the ordinance, reports of unprofessional conduct, and/or refusing to leave the premises when requested may constitute cause for the revocation, termination, or denial of a registration and cessation of the requested activity.

To report a violation, please contact either the Ward 3 City Marshal’s office at 491-1304, Lake Charles Police Department, or the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office via 911.