How Santa Monica Handles Soliciting & Door-to-Door: A Practical Guide

Santa Monica maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with soliciting & door-to-door. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Santa Monica falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Solicitor Permits

Solicitors and peddlers in Santa Monica must pay a license fee under SMMC Ch. 6.32. All persons engaged in door-to-door soliciting, canvassing, or peddling (by foot, vehicle, or other means) must comply with licensing requirements.

Key details: License Fee: Required per SMMC Ch. 6.32. Activities: Soliciting, canvassing, peddling. Modes: Foot, vehicle, or other. Enforcement: Code Enforcement.

Soliciting without permit: $100 to $500 citation. Violating hours: $100 to $250. Failure to display badge: $50 to $200.

No-Knock Registry

Santa Monica prohibits solicitors from ringing bells or knocking at residences displaying 'No Peddlers' or 'No Solicitors' signs per SMMC Ch. 6.32. Violations are enforceable under the municipal code.

Key details: No Solicitors Signs: Must be respected. Code: SMMC Ch. 6.32. Applies To: All peddlers and solicitors. Enforcement: Code Enforcement and SMPD.

Ignoring no-soliciting sign: $50 to $250. Visiting registered address: $100 to $500. Repeated violations may result in permit revocation.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica'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 Santa Monica is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Santa Monica'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.