Farmington Hills's Soliciting & Door-to-Door: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Solicitor Permits

Farmington Hills requires door-to-door solicitors for charitable, religious, or political groups to register free with the city clerk under § 20-3, while peddlers selling goods or taking orders must obtain a fee-paid license under § 20-4 that includes a criminal background check. Both credentials must be carried and shown on request.

Key details: Solicitor registration fee: None (§ 20-3). Peddler license fee: Set by council resolution (§ 20-4). Credential validity: Up to 120 days. Background check: ICHAT criminal history report required for peddlers. Must display: License/certificate on request, § 20-10.

Soliciting or peddling in Farmington Hills without the required registration or license, filing a false application, or failing to display the credential on request are all violations of Chapter 20. A peddler license can be suspended by the city clerk for up to 90 days or revoked by the city council after a hearing, and unlicensed activity is enforced under the Code's general penalty, § 1-13: up to a $500.00 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

This is one of the stricter rules in Farmington Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

No-Knock Registry

Posting a compliant 'no soliciting' or 'no peddling' sign at a Farmington Hills home or subdivision entrance legally bars peddlers and solicitors from that property under City Code § 20-17. The sign must meet exact size and lettering specifications to count, and there is no separate city no-knock registry.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 20-17. Individual sign size: Min. 3 in. x 4 in., 1/3-in. letters. Subdivision sign size: Min. 2 sq. ft., 2-in. letters, each entrance. Right-of-way signs: Need a separate city permit. No city registry: Signage or direct request are the only opt-outs.

A peddler or solicitor who enters a property or subdivision displaying a compliant § 20-17 sign, or who ignores a request to leave under § 20-18, is in violation of Chapter 20. There is no dedicated fine in these sections, so the offense is enforced under the Code's general penalty, § 1-13: up to a $500.00 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills's soliciting & door-to-door rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Farmington Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Farmington Hills can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.