Antioch, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Antioch Municipal Code regulates commercial door-to-door solicitation through business license requirements and, where required by chapter, a solicitor's permit issued by the Antioch Police Department. Commercial solicitors (home improvement sales, alarm systems, magazines, cleaning products, etc.) typically must: (1) obtain a city business license; (2) apply for a solicitor's permit including fingerprinting and background check; (3) carry the permit while soliciting and display on request; (4) limit hours to daylight/early evening (commonly 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier); (5) cease contact at any residence displaying a "No Soliciting" sign or when asked to leave. The Green River v. Canada line of cases and California Supreme Court rulings allow cities to regulate but not ban commercial solicitation. Religious, political, charitable, and issue-advocacy canvassing is First Amendment protected under Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002) and cannot be subjected to permit requirements as a prior restraint; Antioch's ordinance should (and typically does) exempt non-commercial canvassing. A clearly posted "No Soliciting" sign on the door or gate legally bars commercial solicitors — continuing to solicit after notice is trespass under Penal Code §602. Residents may report aggressive or unpermitted solicitors to Antioch Police non-emergency line (925-778-2441). Scam solicitors posing as utility workers, contractors, or charity collectors are a recurring concern — verify identity through the company or charity directly. Registered sex offenders are prohibited from soliciting minors and violating registration requirements.