Peddling for Puppies

Union Township has begun work on a model from the Michigan Township Association for a peddlers ordinance.

Zoning Administrator Woody Woodruff explained to the board that Encore is complaining about puppy sales that are going on in their mall parking lots.

As of right now the sheriff’s department can only chase away peddlers, not issue tickets.

“Permits should be needed to sell puppies in a parking lot,” Says CMU student Sarah Mills. “That way when someone does not have a license, they can be penalized in some way.”

A peddlers ordinance will provide regulations and specifications to selling products in parking lots.

“It is a great way for people to sell their puppies, but only if it is done lawfully with regulation,” said Mills.

The City of Mt. Pleasant does have a peddlers ordinance in effect for peddlers and transient merchants. It clearly defines what a peddler is and what is required to engage in these business ventures.

Complaints came from Encore Development Group, who is responsible for Union commons and Union Shoppes on Bluegrass Road.

“I don’t mind the puppies, but selling them in the new malls on bluegrass does cause some issues,” said Mills. “Some drivers tend to slow down and look at the puppies instead of paying attention to the road.”

The City of Mt. Pleasant’s peddlers ordinance states “no vendor shall … be permitted to operate in any congested area where his or her operation impede or inconvenience the public.”

Penalties in the City of Mt. Pleasant ordinance range from a $50 fee for the first violation, to a $250 fine for the third or any subsequent violations.

The Union Township board was presented with a 12-page ordinance by Woodruff and will be reviewed by the township planning commission in the near future.