Soliciting & Door-to-Door in Spokane, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Spokane 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. Spokane has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of soliciting & door-to-door, and some of them might surprise you.

Solicitor Permits

Spokane requires door-to-door commercial solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor License under SMC 8.02. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections but must respect No Soliciting notices.

Key details: License: Required for commercial. Code: SMC 8.02. Hours: 9 AM to dusk. Background: Check required. Exempt: Religious, political, charitable.

Unlicensed commercial soliciting: $250-$500. Ignoring No Soliciting sign: criminal trespass under SMC 10.10 plus up to $1,000 and 90 days jail.

No-Knock Registry

Spokane homeowners can opt out of door-to-door solicitation by posting a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign. Commercial solicitors who ignore such signs commit misdemeanor trespass under SMC 10.10.030.

Key details: Sign Effect: Legal notice under RCW 9A.52.080. Trespass: Misdemeanor. Registry: None citywide. Applies To: Commercial and canvassers. Exempt: Mail, utilities, govt officials.

Criminal trespass 2nd degree: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and 90 days jail. Licensed solicitor: possible license revocation.

The Bottom Line

Spokane'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 Spokane is broadly strict or permissive.

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