Solicitor Permits: Brentwood vs Martinez

Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Brentwood must obtain a Solicitor Permit from the Police Department and carry photo ID while soliciting. Solicitation hours are limited to 9 AM to 8 PM. Non-commercial canvassing (political, religious, charitable) is protected by the First Amendment and does not require a permit.

Passive panhandling in Martinez is constitutionally protected speech and cannot be broadly banned. Municipal Code Chapter 9.20 targets aggressive solicitation (threatening conduct, following, blocking passage, or solicitation near ATMs, bus stops, and businesses after dark) rather than the act of asking for money itself. Enforcement focuses on conduct-based violations consistent with Ninth Circuit precedent.