How Tempe Handles Soliciting & Door-to-Door: A Practical Guide

Tempe maintains 119 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 Tempe falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Solicitor Permits

Tempe requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit from the city before going door-to-door in residential neighborhoods. Applicants must pass a background check. Permits must be displayed while soliciting. The permit system protects residents from fraud while allowing legitimate business activity.

Key details: Required: Yes, for door-to-door commercial solicitation. Background Check: Required for all applicants. Display: Permit must be shown while soliciting. Duration: Limited period, renewal required. Exempt: Political, religious, certain charitable.

Soliciting without a valid permit is a code violation. Permits may be revoked for non-compliance with solicitation rules.

No-Knock Registry

Tempe regulates door-to-door solicitation through its city code. Residents can post no-soliciting signs that solicitors must respect. Solicitation is prohibited during certain hours (typically after sunset or 9 PM). The city requires solicitors to obtain permits. Violating a posted no-soliciting sign is a code violation.

Key details: Permit: Required for door-to-door solicitors. No-Soliciting Signs: Must be respected, violation if ignored. Prohibited Hours: After sunset or evening hour. Exempt: Religious, political, certain nonprofits. Enforcement: Tempe Police Department.

Soliciting without a permit, ignoring no-soliciting signs, or soliciting during prohibited hours may result in citations and fines.

The Bottom Line

Tempe'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 Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tempe can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.