How Yakima Handles Soliciting & Door-to-Door: A Practical Guide
Yakima 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 Yakima falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
No-Knock Registry
Yakima bans entering posted "No Peddlers"/"No Solicitors" properties and bars door-knocking between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Key details: Quiet hours: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.. Sign wording protected: "No Peddlers"/"No Solicitors". Applies to: licensed and unlicensed alike. Governing sections: YMC §§ 5.56.050, 5.56.052.
Entering a posted no-solicitation property, or soliciting between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m., is a violation of Chapter 5.56 enforceable against both licensed and unlicensed peddlers and solicitors.
Solicitor Permits
Yakima requires a city permit for peddling, soliciting or street sales, with a background check and a $15,000 bond for cash-collecting solicitors.
Key details: Bond for cash/C.O.D. sales: $15,000. Permit term: 1 year. Background check: 5-year felony/fraud lookback. Issuing office: code administration division.
Peddling, soliciting or street selling without the required permit violates YMC § 5.56.020; the director may also deny or revoke a permit for falsified applications or disqualifying criminal history under § 5.56.042.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yakima actively enforces its solicitor permits requirements.
The Bottom Line
Yakima'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 Yakima is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Yakima 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.