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

Concord's peddler/solicitor ordinance (CMC Chapter 5.50) requires commercial solicitors — those offering goods or services for sale door-to-door — to obtain a business license and solicitor permit from the city. Applicants typically submit identification, a background check authorization (Live Scan), and a $50–$150 application fee. Each solicitor must carry a city-issued identification card while soliciting and produce it on demand. Permitted hours are generally 9:00 AM to sunset, or 8:00 PM during summer months; solicitation outside these windows or after being asked to leave is a misdemeanor. Respecting "No Soliciting" signs is legally required under Concord's ordinance; violation is a separate offense. Per U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Watchtower v. Village of Stratton, 536 U.S. 150 (2002)), non-commercial door-to-door canvassing by religious groups, political campaigns, charitable organizations, and cause-advocacy groups cannot be required to obtain a permit or register in advance — these protections apply fully in Concord. However, those groups must still respect posted "No Soliciting" signs and cannot enter private property after being asked to leave (which would constitute trespass under PC §602). Residents concerned about aggressive sales tactics can report to Concord PD; suspected fraud/scams should also be reported to the California Attorney General's Office and Contra Costa DA Consumer Protection.