Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Berkeley must obtain a business license and comply with time-of-day and No Solicitation sign rules; political, religious, and charitable canvassing is generally exempt.
Berkeley requires persons engaged in commercial door-to-door sales or solicitation within the city to first obtain a City business license under BMC Title 9. Solicitation must occur during reasonable daytime hours (typically between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier) and canvassers must leave immediately when asked. Posted No Solicitation signs at a residence must be honored and ignoring them can subject the solicitor to trespass enforcement under California Penal Code 602. Political campaigning, religious proselytizing, and charitable canvassing (not commercial sales) generally receive First Amendment protection and are not required to obtain a commercial permit, though they must still respect posted signs and reasonable hours. Residents can report aggressive or after-hours solicitation to Berkeley Police non-emergency at (510) 981-5900.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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