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San Francisco, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Signs
Residents may post no-solicitation signs
Commercial
Must respect posted signs
First Amendment
Political/religious canvassing protected
Multi-Unit
Building managers can restrict access
Enforcement
Complaint-driven via SF311 or police

Summary

San Francisco residents may post no-solicitation or no-knock signs to deter unwanted door-to-door visits. Solicitors who ignore posted signs may face citations under the Police Code. First Amendment-protected activities (political, religious canvassing) may not be restricted by municipal ordinance.

602. 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: ... (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, or (2) the owner, the owner's agent, or the person in lawful possession.

Source: SF Police CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Property owners and tenants can display no-solicitation signs at their doors or property entrances. Commercial solicitors are expected to respect these signs. However, the First Amendment protects political canvassing and religious proselytizing, so no-knock rules may not apply to these activities in all circumstances. Tenants in multi-unit buildings may coordinate with building management to restrict solicitor access. Building managers may post no-solicitation notices at building entrances.

Violations & Fines

Commercial solicitors who ignore no-solicitation signs may receive citations. However, enforcement is primarily complaint-driven through SF Police non-emergency line or SF311.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prevent solicitors from knocking on my door?
You can post a no-solicitation sign. Commercial solicitors are expected to respect it. Political and religious canvassers may have First Amendment protections.
How do I report persistent solicitation?
Contact SF311 or the SFPD non-emergency line to report commercial solicitors who ignore no-solicitation signs or engage in aggressive tactics.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSolicitor PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California soliciting & door-to-door overview

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