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

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Fontana, California, 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.

No-Knock Registry

Fontana residents can opt out of door-to-door solicitation by posting a clearly visible No Soliciting sign. Ignoring a posted sign is a citable offense in addition to any permit violation.

Key details: Opt-out method: Posted sign. Sign wording: No Soliciting or similar. Violation: Infraction. Enforcement: Police and Code Enforcement. Applies to noncommercial?: Generally yes.

Fontana is more permissive than most cities when it comes to no-knock registry. That said, there are still limits.

Solicitor Permits

Fontana requires anyone going door-to-door taking orders for goods to obtain a solicitor's license from the license collector before starting business. Fees scale with gross receipts, applicants undergo a background investigation, and licenses run on an annual term. The chief of police can revoke a license for fraud or conduct that breaches the peace, with a right of appeal to the city manager.

Key details: License required: Before any door-to-door solicitation or canvassing. Fee under $50,000 receipts: $50.00 flat license fee. Fee over $50,000 receipts: $50.00 plus $1.00 per $1,000 over. License term: Annual, begins first day business commences. Appeal window: 14 days to city manager after denial/revocation.

Soliciting without a license is unlawful under Sec. 15-771, and any city officer may demand a solicitor produce the license on sight (Sec. 15-742). The license collector maintains a permanent record of every conviction for a violation of this article (Sec. 15-743), and the chief of police may suspend or revoke a license for fraud, misrepresentation, or conduct that breaches the peace after notice and a hearing (Sec. 15-777).

The Bottom Line

Fontana'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 Fontana is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fontana's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.