Calcasieu Parish Code Enforcement – Law Enforcement Provisions
- Mary Kaye Eason
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
Note: This is the ninth article in a series on code enforcement in Calcasieu Parish. Many code enforcement issues do not involve law enforcement. This blog post outlines some of those that do.
Calls to Calcasieu Parish code enforcement typically involve regulations. Things like addressing junked vehicles or condemnable properties don’t often require law enforcement involvement. But the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances addresses all our local laws, including some that do require support from law enforcement.
Regulations covering peddling (door-to-door sales), solicitation, curfews, property damage and disturbances are essential for maintaining public safety and order in Calcasieu Parish for both residents and businesses. Read on for more about how these laws help ensure a safe, respectful community environment.
Peddling (Door-to-Door Sales)
Under section 15-22 of the Calcasieu Parish Code of Ordinances, the term “peddler” encompasses a variety of individuals and organizations, including solicitors, opinion surveyors, itinerant merchants, vendors, and other sellers of goods or services.
But “peddlers” and “peddling” are not the same thing.
Peddling – engaging in door-to-door sales or solicitation activities without an invitation from the property owner or occupant, without a permit, on public or private premises – is illegal in Calcasieu Parish. This includes soliciting orders for goods or services, selling or disposing of goods, and even conducting surveys or polls.
Still, while peddling is generally prohibited and considered a nuisance, exceptions are made for certain groups. These include:
Churches and religious organizations
Governmental surveys (like the U.S. Census)
Candidates for elective office and their supporters
501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
Students under the age of 19 from public or private schools
Recognized firefighter or police associations
Scouting organizations
Individuals advocating a cause that does not involve a commercial transaction or solicitation of funds or goods of any kind
What about people that come to my door offering new fiber internet services, alarm systems or other sales pitches?
Some peddling is legal with proper registration and permits from the Calcasieu Parish Director of Planning and Development (or your municipality, as appropriate). As listed in section 15-14, registration requires providing the following information:
Contact details for the organization or individual conducting the activity
Full names and addresses of all participants, including their driver's licenses or personal identification
A description of the activity, including its nature and purpose
Proposed dates for conducting the activity
Acknowledgment that the parish’s authorization does not imply endorsement
All participants must undergo a federal background check. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office reviews the results to ensure none of the participants have a history of criminal offenses like felonies, sexual offenses, or violent crimes.
Upon completing the registration and receiving clearance, registrants will be issued a photo ID, which must be displayed during the activity. The authorization is valid for up to 90 days, and registrants pay a fee of $100 per person.
Click here for more information on permits.
What about after a hurricane or other storm, when door-knockers are prevalent?
We're all familiar with the influx of door-to-door solicitation in the aftermath of a hurricane, hail storm or other declared disaster. While solicitation requirements are not typically waived at those times, the scale of such events can make enforcement difficult. In situations like those, it's a good idea to continue reporting – especially if the parish or law enforcement agency has made available some sort of form to do so easily. Those with egregious violations, such as late-night knocking, harassment or allegations of theft from storm-damaged property, can still be addressed appropriately alongside other (unfortunately) common post-disaster claims, like contractor fraud.
How will I know if someone has legally registered to knock on my door?
There are several rules and restrictions in section 15-14 that outline the rules licensed “door-knockers” must follow.
Rule | Details |
Operating Hours | Licensed solicitation is prohibited before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., unless the vendor has been invited by the property owner or occupant. |
Premises Access | Individuals may approach the front or main entrance. They may not enter properties with visible “no trespassing” or “no soliciting” signage. |
Repeat Visits | Individuals may not conduct uninvited repeat visits to the same location. |
Violations and Penalties
Failure to adhere to the peddling and solicitation regulations may result in penalties. Violations can lead to fines of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Minor Curfews
In Calcasieu Parish, minors under the age of 17 are prohibited from being out in public places or unsupervised areas during certain curfew hours. These restrictions are in section 18-1.
Curfew Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Friday through Sunday: Midnight to 5 a.m.
Exceptions: Minors are exempt from curfew requirements if they are:
in the company of their parents or guardians, or in the care and custody of another adult.
on an emergency errand.
traveling directly home from legitimate employment.
attending a supervised activity sponsored by a church, school, playground, or recreation district, or on the way home from such a qualifying event by the shortest possible route.
Parents or guardians must not knowingly permit their minor children to violate the curfew. Violations of the curfew law are subject to juvenile laws in the state, which can be found in section 1-9.
Simple Criminal Property Damage
Under section 18-2, intentionally damaging another person's property by any means other than fire or explosion (which are addressed separately) is illegal. This ordinance applies when the damage is valued at less than $500 – simple criminal property damage. Damage with a higher cost is also addressed separately.
This includes many things that some may consider “kid stuff,” like graffiti or “homecoming wars”-type vandalism with damaging consequences beyond toilet paper in the trees. No matter how small, such actions may result in criminal penalties.
Tampering with Road Signs
Countless teens have decorated their living spaces with road signs. But removal, destruction or tampering with road signs, traffic barricades, or other safety markers of any kind is illegal.
This includes driving past and/or moving barricades, selling stolen signs, or removing items placed by contractors, such as cones or other markers, as outlined in section 18-14.
Violators may face a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days in jail or both. Even more seriously, they may be held responsible for damages that result from said tampering. For example, if the absence of a stop sign causes a wreck, the person who removed it is responsible for the resulting damages to people and property.
Disturbing the Peace
“Disturbing the peace” is a favorite violation in movies. But despite the catchy name, it’s a very real ordinance as outlined in Article VIII of the code. In a nutshell, it prohibits loud, unnecessary, or excessive noise that unreasonably interferes with the comfort and repose of others within Calcasieu Parish.
Of course, sometimes noise is a byproduct of a necessary activity. Exemptions include:
Emergency vehicles responding to calls
Church bells
Garbage collection
Permitted noises (like construction work or special events)
Lawn mowers, power tools, or similar equipment used with a muffler between:
7 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sundays and holidays
Questions?
As outlined above, the regulations in this blog post often involve law enforcement, not just parish code enforcement staff, but consider the circumstance.
For questions about door-to-door solicitation registrations and licenses, click here to contact the parish occupational licensing staff.
The parish planning and development staff can also assist with complaints about licensed vendors who have not operated within the rules of their permits, such as by making repeated (uninvited) visits or knocking outside the permitted hours.
For concerns that require law enforcement involvement, like disturbing the peace, criminal property damage, unsafe situations involving peddlers or other issues, contact the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office or your local police department, as applicable.
As always, if you have specific questions or topics you’d like to see covered, let me know!
