Kent, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Kent law gives residents a powerful tool to stop unwanted door-to-door commercial solicitation: a clearly posted No Soliciting, No Solicitors, or No Trespassing sign at the entrance to the property. Under Kent City Code 5.02.080, any permitted solicitor or peddler is required to observe and respect posted signs and must immediately leave the property without knocking, ringing the bell, or leaving literature. A solicitor who ignores the sign commits both a violation of KCC 5.02 (subject to permit revocation) and criminal trespass in the second degree under RCW 9A.52.080 (a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days jail and 1,000 dollars). The sign does not need to be a specific size, but must be clearly visible from the approach to the entrance. Residents can also add their phone number to the Washington State Do Not Call registry and the Federal Trade Commission's National Do Not Call registry to stop most telemarketing, though these lists do not apply to door-to-door sales. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt from the commercial permit rules under the First Amendment (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society v. Village of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150 (2002)), but they should still respect posted signs as a courtesy and most do. For persistent problem solicitors, call Kent Police non-emergency at 253-856-5800 with a description and any badge number displayed.