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

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Sterling Heights, Michigan, 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.

No-Knock Registry

Sterling Heights bars door-to-door sales or solicitations on any private property posting a "No Solicitors," "No Trespassing" or similar sign, and requires licensed itinerant merchants to leave when told to by anyone lawfully in possession.

Key details: Governing chapter: Ch. 39, Peddlers and Itinerant Merchants. No-solicitation trigger: posted "No Solicitors" or "No Trespassing" sign. Must leave when told: by anyone lawfully in possession. Underlying license: annual City Clerk itinerant merchant license. Max penalty: $500 fine / 90 days jail.

A violation of Chapter 39 is a misdemeanor under the city's general penalty, § 1-9: up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both.

Solicitor Permits

Anyone going door-to-door in Sterling Heights to sell goods, take orders or peddle wares must hold an annual itinerant-merchant license from the City Clerk, expiring every December 31. Chapter 39 of the city code requires an application with a photo, ID and sales-method details before the Clerk issues, denies or revokes it.

Key details: License authority: City Clerk, Chapter 39. Term: Annual, expires December 31. Application photo: 2x2 inch, within 60 days. No Solicitors sign: Bars all door-to-door solicitation there. Vehicle stop rule: Park within 12 inches of curb.

Chapter 39 carries no standalone penalty clause, so the citywide general penalty in Section 1-9 applies: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail (93 days if the violation mirrors a state misdemeanor carrying that term), or both. Beyond criminal exposure, the City Clerk can suspend or revoke a license for misrepresentation, false statements on the application, or repeated Chapter 39 violations; the licensee gets mailed notice and 30 days to appeal to the City Council, which holds a hearing within 30 days of the appeal.

The Bottom Line

Sterling Heights'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 Sterling Heights is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Sterling Heights'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.