Palo Alto, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign location
- At or near main entrance
- Sign effect
- Bars commercial solicitation
- Trespass law
- CA Penal Code 602
- Non-commercial
- Must leave upon request
- Report
- (650) 329-2413
Summary
Palo Alto residents may post No Solicitation signs to bar commercial solicitors from their property. Violating a posted sign is a citable offense and can also be treated as trespass.
Except as provided in subdivisions (u), (v), and (x), and Section 602.8, a person who willfully commits a trespass by any of the following acts is guilty of a misdemeanor:
(m) Entering and occupying real property or structures of any kind without the consent of the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession.
(n) Driving a vehicle, as defined in Section 670 of the Vehicle Code, upon real property belonging to, or lawfully occupied by, another and known not to be open to the general public, without the consent of the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession.
(o) (1) Refusing or failing to leave land, real property, or structures belonging to, or lawfully occupied by, another and not open to the general public, upon being requested to leave by (1) a peace officer at the request of the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession, and upon being informed by the peace officer that they are acting at the request of the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession, or (2) the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession.
Full Breakdown
Under Palo Altos solicitor regulations, property owners may post a conspicuous No Solicitation or No Trespassing sign at or near the main entrance of their residence. When such a sign is posted, commercial solicitors, peddlers, and canvassers are prohibited from knocking, ringing the bell, or otherwise attempting to contact the household. Violating a posted sign is an infraction or misdemeanor and may also constitute trespass under California Penal Code 602. Non-commercial canvassers (religious, political, nonprofit) are not bound by No Solicitation signs in the same way but must leave immediately upon request under First Amendment time, place, and manner doctrine. Residents who encounter repeated violations should note the solicitors name, company, permit number, and vehicle information and report the incident to Palo Alto Police at (650) 329-2413. Businesses whose solicitors repeatedly ignore signs risk losing their permits to operate in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a No Solicitation sign actually matter?
What about political or religious canvassers?
How do I report a violator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
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