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

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

Solicitor Permits

Fullerton requires anyone soliciting door-to-door for sales, services, or work to carry a Chief of Police-issued permit under FMC Chapter 3.36. Soliciting is barred before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m., and permits cost $100 to apply plus a $25 renewal fee.

Key details: Governing chapter: FMC Chapter 3.36, Solicitors. Permitted hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. only. Initial permit fee: $100 investigation fee. Renewal fee: $25 per renewal. Permit term: Expires one year after issuance.

Soliciting without exhibiting a valid permit to a police officer on request is charged as a misdemeanor under § 3.36.150. An officer who witnesses the violation must arrest and charge the person under § 3.36.010; if discovered afterward, the officer proceeds by criminal complaint (§ 3.36.120). Arrests follow Cal. Penal Code Part 2, Title 3, Chapter 5 (commencing with § 833), with citation release available under Penal Code § 853.6.

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

No-Knock Registry

Fullerton lets residents block door-to-door handbills and solicitors two ways: posting a 12-square-inch "No Solicitors" sign, or filing a sworn refusal-of-consent affidavit with the City Clerk that distributors must check within 24 hours before leaving material.

Key details: Sign posting rule: FMC § 7.30.032, min. 12 sq in sign. Clerk registry: FMC § 7.30.034 sworn affidavit. Registry cost: Free to file or revoke. Effective date: 12:00 a.m. day after filing. Distributor duty: Check registry within 24 hrs.

Section 7.30.070 makes any violation of Chapter 7.30, including disregarding a posted sign under § 7.30.032 or a City Clerk-filed refusal under § 7.30.034, a misdemeanor. Exempt materials under § 7.30.060 include folded general-circulation newspapers, U.S. mail, government or court notices, foreclosure or lien notices, and material sent to a hotel, inn or motel guest by that guest's own request.

The Bottom Line

Fullerton'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 Fullerton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fullerton'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.