Homeowners can now stop unwanted doorstep advertising

Homeowners can now stop unwanted doorstep advertising

Many homeowners and apartment-dwellers often feel put out by the sheer amount of unsolicited advertisements they receive near their front doors from an ever-growing number of companies distributing circulars and other ad-sheets.

Now, the Department of Sanitation will begin enforcement of a new law, Section 397-A of the New York State General Business Law, a.k.a. the “Lawn Litter” law.

The new law, which went into effect August 2, allows property owners to post a sign in a visible area in front of their homes to let advertisers know not to place unsolicited advertising material on their property. 

“This new law gives property owners the power to help stop unsolicited advertisements from being placed in front of, or inside of, their home or multiple dwellings,” said DOS commissioner John Doherty.

The property owner must place signs that are at least five inches tall and seven inches wide, and state in legible letters at least one-inch in size, “Do Not Place Unsolicited Advertising Materials On This Property.”

In multiple dwellings, signs can be put up indicating how many units want to receive unsolicited ads, and the location they must be placed.

All signs must be in visible locations on the property. If advertisers are found in violation of the “Lawn Litter” law, they will be subject to a $250 fine by DOS.

“I think this new law is a good thing,” said Al D’Angelo, president of the Morris Park Community Association. “If you are out for the day, you find five flyers on your stoop. It also broadcasts who is on vacation, because if you are away for a few days, your stoop gets littered with advertisements. Now people have a choice about receiving the ads, which is a helpful.”

D’Angelo went on to explain that the amount of solicitations hurts area seniors, who have to come out of their homes every day to clean up the circulars advertisers place there. Since it is illegal to place un-mailed solicitations in mailboxes, they are often placed on the ground, forcing seniors to exhort themselves.

“People have been asking for a law like the Lawn Litter law for 15 years,” added Andrew Chirico, of the Waterbury LaSalle Community Association, who also believes the elimination of unwanted fliers is also a safety issue.

“I think it is a good thing because in winter people can slip and fall on the paper if they miss seeing them,” he continued, before echoing comments made by D’Angelo.  “If you are not at home, they pile up, alerting thieves.”

Chirico added that even though he has a one family home, he typically receives circulars for three families from vendors. He also feels that the new law will cut down on wasted paper.

“You can get the same ads when you purchase the Sunday paper; there should be no reason that they are leaving them at our door,” Chirico noted. 

Property owners can obtain complaint forms by calling 311, or visiting the DOS website at www.nyc.gov/sanitation. They will then mail in the form. Individuals who send in the complaint form may be called before the Environmental Control Board to testify about the ads.