Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley is implementing new rules to give residents more say over who may knock on their doors for commercial purposes. The Foley City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance governing commercial door-to-door solicitation. The new regulations include permit requirements, background checks, and city-issued identification badges. They also limit solicitation hours.

The ordinance will take effect on Oct. 30, 2026, after City Council approval. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said city officials have been working for several months on a plan to protect residents' privacy without restricting free speech. In recent meetings, representatives of local homeowners associations told Foley officials that their members want options to regulate solicitations in their neighborhoods.

"Solicitation has always been one of those areas between freedom of speech and the rights of privacy for the citizens," Hellmich said. "I want to commend our staff. They worked very hard on this to balance the positive and the negative. I really appreciate the efforts."

Under the new ordinance, commercial solicitors must complete an application with the city's Revenue Department. They must identify the business they represent and undergo a background check at their own expense. The business they represent must also hold a valid Foley business license.

Once approved, solicitors will receive a city-issued permit badge displaying their name and the company they represent. All commercial solicitors must display the badge during visits. Door-to-door sales calls are permitted only between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The ordinance also creates a No Solicitation Registry for residents and residential communities. Individual residents can opt out of commercial solicitation by registering their address through the city's online Citizenserve portal. Homeowners associations may also request that the city place an entire subdivision on the registry.

Solicitors who encounter a registered address must avoid the property, honor posted "No Soliciting" signs, and leave immediately upon request. Violations can result in warnings, citations, and permit revocation. Businesses that repeatedly fail to comply may also face additional enforcement action.

The new rules apply only to commercial solicitation. The ordinance does not cover political canvassers, religious groups, or qualifying charitable organizations. Residents seeking more information can contact the Foley Revenue Department at 251-943-1545