FOLEY, Ala. — Foley residents and business owners who are tired of sales pitches at the front door may soon have more protection. The Foley City Council has taken up an updated door-to-door solicitation ordinance that tightens the rules for commercial solicitors. It adds permit and registration requirements and gives residents a way to opt out of commercial visits.
The measure amends Ordinance 1097-09 and replaces Section 5-134 of the city’s Code of Ordinances, the part of city code that covers door-to-door commercial solicitation. It was on the council’s agenda for first reading at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, at Foley City Hall. The council’s agenda described it as setting out permit, registration, enforcement and business accountability requirements for commercial solicitors.
The goal is to curb aggressive sales tactics and give property owners more control over who comes to their door. At the same time, the ordinance protects the rights of charities, political campaigns and religious groups to reach the public.
A familiar frustration
Most people know the feeling. The family has just sat down to dinner, a remote worker is on an important call, or someone is finally enjoying a quiet evening, and the doorbell rings. On the other side of the door is a stranger selling pest control, roofing, solar panels, security systems or some other product or service.
Many homeowners and businesses post “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” signs to head off those visits. Too often, those signs are ignored. That leaves residents and business managers feeling interrupted and disregarded on their own property.
The updated Foley rules are meant to address that. They put more responsibility on commercial solicitors and give the city clearer tools for enforcement.
What commercial solicitors will have to do
Under the city’s updated rules, commercial solicitors who want to go door to door in Foley must meet several requirements before they start. They include:
- A permit: Commercial solicitors must obtain a city permit before soliciting.
- Registration: Solicitors must complete a registration process to get that permit.
- Possible background checks: The registration process may include a background check.
- A business license: The business doing the soliciting must hold a business license.
- ID badges: Solicitors must wear identification badges while working.
- Business accountability: Solicitors must follow the city’s established business accountability guidelines.
- Enforcement standards: Solicitors must comply with the city’s enforcement standards.
Together, these requirements are intended to make sure the city knows who is knocking on residents’ doors and which business they represent. They also give residents a way to tell whether a solicitor is authorized to be there.
An online opt-out portal
One of the most practical changes for residents is a planned online portal. Under the updated rules, neighborhoods and individual residents will be able to use the portal to opt out of soliciting.
Opt-out lists of this kind work much like the national Do Not Call Registry does for telemarketing. Instead of relying only on a sign in the window, a household or neighborhood can formally tell the city that it does not want commercial solicitors to visit. The city has not yet released details on when the portal will be available or how to sign up. Residents who want to take part should watch for announcements from the City of Foley.
Who is exempt
Rules on door-to-door visits have to balance a homeowner’s privacy against constitutional protections for free speech and religious expression. Courts have long held that cities can regulate commercial sales at the door, but that they cannot broadly shut down noncommercial speech.
Foley’s updated ordinance reflects that balance. Charities, politicians and religious groups are exempt from the new solicitation restrictions. That means volunteers raising money for a cause, candidates and campaign workers going door to door before an election, and members of faith groups sharing their message can continue to do so.
The new permit, registration and opt-out rules are aimed at commercial activity: people who come to the door to sell a product or service.
What it means for residents
The updated rules will not stop every knock at the door. They do give Foley residents a stronger set of tools against commercial solicitors who do not respect a property owner’s wishes.
Here are a few practical steps residents can take:
- Ask for identification. Commercial solicitors are required to wear ID badges. If someone selling a product or service cannot show one, residents do not have to engage.
- Use the opt-out portal once it is available. Signing up provides a formal record of a household’s or neighborhood’s wishes.
- Keep posting signs. “No Soliciting” signs remain a clear, visible message to anyone approaching the door.
- Report concerns. Residents who run into a solicitor who appears to be operating without a permit, or who is acting aggressively, can contact the city or the Foley Police Department.
- Do not feel pressured. Residents are never obligated to open the door, make a purchase or sign a contract on the spot.
What it means for businesses
The ordinance also affects companies that use door-to-door sales in Foley. Those businesses will need a city business license, and each salesperson will need to go through the permit and registration process, which may include a background check. Businesses should also expect to be held to the city’s accountability and enforcement standards.
Companies that plan to canvass in Foley should contact the city before sending crews out, so they understand the current requirements and any fees.
A growing city
The update comes as Foley continues to grow at a rapid pace. The south Baldwin County city has added roughly 10,000 residents since the 2020 census, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in May 2026. It grew by nearly 8% between July 2024 and July 2025, which ranked it as the nation’s 14th fastest-growing municipality among those with at least 20,000 residents. Foley is now the second most populous city in Baldwin County.
With more households across the city, the updated rules will apply to a larger number of residents and neighborhoods than ever before.
What comes next
The Foley City Council meets at City Hall, and ordinances and meeting agendas are posted on the city’s website. Residents who want to read the full text of the updated solicitation rules, learn when they take effect or find out when the opt-out portal opens can check the City of Foley’s website or contact City Hall.