Chapter 4.06
CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
Sections:
4.06.020 Registration with Secretary of State required.
4.06.030 Additional local regulations authorized by RCW 19.09.100(2).
4.06.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases shall, for the purposes of this chapter, carry the same meaning as set forth in RCW 19.09.020: “Charitable organization,” “contribution,” “person,” “professional fundraiser,” “professional solicitor” and “solicitation.” (Ord. 456 § 1, 1985).
4.06.020 Registration with Secretary of State required.
It is unlawful for any charitable organization, or any professional fund raiser or solicitor, to carry on a solicitation for charitable contributions for or on behalf of any charitable organizations within the city, without having first filed with the Washington Secretary of State’s Office its registration statement and disclosure requirements, unless qualified as exempt therefrom, all as required by Chapter 19.09 RCW. (Ord. 456 § 2, 1985).
4.06.030 Additional local regulations authorized by RCW 19.09.100(2).
A charitable solicitation to be conducted within the city shall conform to the following:
(1) Before commencing any charitable solicitation campaign, the person or organization soliciting such charitable contributions shall file with the department of public safety the following information:
(a) The beginning and estimated ending dates for the solicitation campaign;
(b) The name, address and telephone number of the person or organization conducting the campaign, or making the solicitation for charitable contributions;
(c) A verification of the registration and filing of disclosure documents required by Chapter 19.09 RCW or, in the alternative, verifications of exemption therefrom;
(d) The name of each person who will be acting as a charitable solicitor or, in the alternative, a facsimile copy of the solicitor’s identification issued by the organization conducting the campaign, to each of its individual solicitors.
(2) Each person or organization soliciting charitable contributions shall disclose verbally or in writing to each person or organization solicited:
(a) The name of the individual making the solicitation;
(b) The name of the charitable organization;
(c) The purpose of the solicitation and the name of the organization that will receive the funds contributed;
(d) Upon request, the estimated percentage of the money collected which will be applied to the cost of the solicitation or to the charitable purpose; and
(e) Solicitors are required to exhibit their charitable organization-issued identification at the request of any citizen.
(3) No solicitor, nor any person in his behalf, shall shout, make any cryout, blow a horn, ring a bell or use any sound device, including any loud-speaking radio or sound amplifying system upon any of the streets, alleys, parks or other public places of the city or upon any private premises in the city where sound of sufficient volume is emitted or produced therefrom to be capable of being plainly heard upon the streets, avenues, alleys, parks or other public places for the purpose of attracting attention to any goods, wares, merchandise or services which such licensee proposes to sell.
(4) No solicitor shall have any exclusive right to any locations in the public streets, nor shall be permitted a stationary location, nor shall be permitted to operate in any congested area where his or her operations might impede or inconvenience the public. For the purpose of this chapter, the judgment of a police officer, exercising good faith, shall be deemed conclusive as to where the area is congested or the public impeded or inconvenienced. (Ord. 456 § 3, 1985).
4.06.040 Enforcement duty.
It shall be the duty of any police officer of the city to require any person seen soliciting, and who is not known by such officer to be duly licensed, to produce his or her solicitor’s identification and to enforce the provisions of this chapter against any person found to be violating the same. (Ord. 456 § 4, 1985).
4.06.050 Violation – Penalty.
Any person or organization violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $250.00. (Ord. 725 § 1, 2004; Ord. 456 § 5, 1985).