CRANBERRY TWP — Residents can now ward off door-to-door salespeople with a new registry.

Cranberry changed its solicitation ordinance to create a Do Not Knock registry that residents can sign up for on a yearly basis. The list will be distributed to vendors and peddlers who must get a solicitation permit from the township police, said Jerry Andree, township manager.

The amended ordinance was adopted at the July 27 supervisors meeting. The changes will take effect Oct. 1.

The Do Not Knock registry applies to businesses and salespeople who are required to seek a permit. It does not apply to people doing evangelistic work, nonprofit organizations, people seeking signatures for petitions or people placing fliers on doors. Hanging any fliers or advertisements on mailboxes is illegal for any of these entities.

Residents will be able to sign up for the registry beginning Oct. 1 through the township's website or by visiting the township municipal building or the police department.

“We want to make it easy and accessible to set up,” Andree said.

The ordinance was also revised to extend soliciting hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Solicitation hours will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

No soliciting is allowed on Sunday, state recognized holidays or on private property posted with no-solicitation signs.

The township was criticized by the sales industry for having soliciting hours that were too restrictive, so the township responded by expanding the time period but also adding the Do Not Knock registry.

Andree said they found other communities had found success with enacting a Do Not Knock registry.