Chico, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- administrative services director
- Permit bond
- $1,000
- Allowed hours
- 9 a.m.-7 p.m. or sunset
- Exempt
- charities, licensed realtors, under-16
Summary
Chico requires a permit from the administrative services director before anyone may peddle or solicit house-to-house, with a police background check, a $1,000 bond, and fixed operating hours under Chico Municipal Code § 5.24.060.
Except as hereinafter provided by this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to undertake or engage in the practice of peddling or soliciting from house to house within the city without a permit... A person undertaking or engaging in house-to-house peddling and soliciting within the city shall conduct such activities only between the hour of 9:00 a.m. and the hour of 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever first occurs.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.24 makes it unlawful to peddle or solicit door-to-door in Chico without a permit from the administrative services director (§5.24.060). Applicants must give identifying information, list every date they intend to work, disclose any theft, fraud, or moral-turpitude convictions, and post a $1,000 permit bond (§§5.24.080, 5.24.100). The chief of police reviews each applicant's criminal record before the permit is approved. Charitable-organization representatives, licensed realtors soliciting listings, and people under 16 are exempt from the permit itself (§5.24.070), but everyone must still follow the times-and-manner rule in §5.24.170: peddling and soliciting only between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first.
Violations & Fines
Peddling or soliciting without the required permit, or violating permit conditions or the allowed hours, is an infraction punishable by a fine under City Charter § 1505 (§5.24.200); permits can also be revoked for cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to go door-to-door selling in Chico?
What hours can solicitors work in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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