Soliciting & Door-to-Door in San Bernardino, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in San Bernardino or are thinking about moving there, soliciting & door-to-door are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Bernardino has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of soliciting & door-to-door, and some of them might surprise you.

Solicitor Permits

San Bernardino Municipal Code 5.30 requires commercial door-to-door solicitors to get a City Clerk permit and pass a background check. Religious canvassers are exempt but must honor No Soliciting signs.

Key details: Legal authority: Municipal Code Chapter 5.30. Permit required: For commercial door-to-door solicitors. Hours: Generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Exemptions: Religious, political, and charitable canvassers. No Solicitation signs: Enforceable under Penal Code 602.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

No-Knock Registry

San Bernardino residents may post No Soliciting or No Trespassing signs, making continued canvassing trespass under California Penal Code 602. Solicitors who ignore signs can lose their city permit under Chapter 5.30.

Key details: Legal basis: California Penal Code 602(o). Sign effect: Posted No Soliciting sign creates trespass liability. Permit action: City may revoke permit for sign violations. Religious canvassers: Must still honor posted signs. Police line: Non-emergency (909) 383-5311.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from San Bernardino's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.