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.
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.
Solicitor Permits
San Bernardino requires a solicitor to obtain a peddling or soliciting permit from the City Clerk before going door to door or through the streets taking orders for future delivery or asking for charitable donations. Municipal Code Chapter 5.19 sets the application, background-check and appeal process.
Key details: Permit issuer: City Clerk. Permit term: One year. Background check window: 45 calendar days. Disqualifiers: Moral turpitude/theft conviction, 10 yrs. Fee waiver: Tax-exempt fundraising orgs.
Soliciting without a permit, or failing to display an issued permit while soliciting, violates Chapter 5.19 and is a misdemeanor under § 5.19.090, punishable under the citywide general penalty § 1.12.010 by up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both, with § 1.12.020 making each day a separate offense.
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.