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

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Waco, Texas, 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

Waco limits door-to-door peddling and solicitation to the hours between one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. Homeowners can opt out entirely by posting a small "no soliciting" sign in the yard or a sticker or cling on the door; once posted, entering or lingering on that property to peddle, solicit, or canvass becomes a criminal offense under the city code.

Key details: Default calling hours: 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour before sunset. Yard sign size: 1 sq ft max, 2-inch letters. Door sticker/cling: Also legally blocks entry. Covers: Peddlers, canvassers, door-to-door solicitors. Fine range: $1.00 to $500.00 per offense.

Violating the sign or hours rule is a misdemeanor offense under the Code of Ordinances general penalty, section 1-14, punishable by a fine of not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00; each day or act of continued violation can be charged as a separate offense. Officers may issue a citation requiring an appearance in municipal court within ten days, and a person who intentionally or knowingly fails to appear commits a separate offense under section 1-15.

Solicitor Permits

Anyone who wants to peddle goods or solicit door-to-door on private property in Waco must first get a permit from the city secretary's office, unless a resident specifically invited them; canvassers are exempt. The city secretary must issue the permit within three business days unless the applicant has a disqualifying recent criminal record or is a registered sex offender.

Key details: Permit required for: Peddlers and door-to-door solicitors on private property. Exempt: Canvassers; invited visitors. Issuance timeline: Within 3 business days. Permit term: 1 year, nontransferable. Fee waiver: Available via indigency affidavit.

Acting as a peddler or door-to-door solicitor without the required permit, or violating a permit condition, is a misdemeanor under the Code of Ordinances general penalty, section 1-14, punishable by a fine of $1.00 to $500.00, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The city may also deny, suspend, or revoke the permit itself under section 13-368 for false statements, disqualifying convictions, or misuse of the permit, subject to the section 13-369 appeal process.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Waco actively enforces its solicitor permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Waco'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 Waco is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Waco's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.