§ 4-7.107. Unsolicited Printed Matter Prohibited After Notice.

(a)

The City Council of the City of Modesto finds and determines that the practice of distributing or delivering unsolicited printed matter such as newspapers or advertising circulars to residential property creates a serious police problem and a threat to the public safety in that residents are unaware that such material is going to be delivered or distributed to their premises, and, heretofore, have been unable to make proper provisions to stop the distributions or delivery of such material to their property so that their absence may be inadvertently advertised to persons of criminal propensities as a result of the accumulation of newspapers, advertising, and other such printed matter on their property.

(b)

It shall be unlawful and punishable as an infraction for any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent, or employee of any person, firm, or corporation, to deliver or cause to be delivered to or to distribute or cause to be distributed to, the yards or grounds of any house, or multifamily residential structure, or any porch, or doorstep, or vestibule, or any public hallway thereof, or upon any other residential property in the City of Modesto any unsolicited handbill, circular, newspaper, paper, booklet, poster, or any other advertising literature of any kind where the owner or occupant of such residential property has either:

(1)

Previously expressed his or her desire, in writing, to such person, firm, or corporation, not to receive such unsolicited printed matter (such notice shall only be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date it is mailed); or

(2)

Posted a sign on the residential property which clearly indicates that the occupant or owner does not desire to receive such unsolicited printed matter.

Provided, however, that such printed matter may be personally delivered to such owners or occupants of such residential property who are willing to accept the same.

(Ord. 382-N.S., amended by Ord. 365-C.S., Ord. 2604-C.S., and Ord. 2679-C.S., § 1, effective 10-19-89)