Issaquah, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing official
- Building Official, on a sworn written application
- Annual fee
- $30.00 per year; $20.00 per year for a renewal
- Expiration
- June 30th of each year
- Exemptions
- Farmers (not firewood), 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits, newspaper subscription solicitors
- Denial ground
- Related felony conviction within the last 10 years
- Appeal
- Written notice to the City Administrator within 10 days
Summary
Anyone who sells goods in Issaquah by going from house to house or by approaching people must hold a solicitor's license from the Building Official before starting. Farmers selling their own produce, qualifying charitable and nonprofit groups, and newspaper subscription solicitors are exempt. The license costs $30.00 per year and expires every June 30th.
A. No person or individual shall act as a solicitor within the City limits without first obtaining a license therefor as provided in this chapter. B. The following persons are eligible for an exemption to the license requirements and fee provisions of this chapter: 1. Farmers who sell agricultural, horticultural or farm products which they have actually grown, harvested or produced, provided that this exemption does not apply to sale of firewood; 2. Charitable, religious or nonprofit organizations or corporations which have received tax exempt status under 26 USC 501(c)(3) or other similar civic, charitable or nonprofit organizations; 3. Newspaper subscription solicitors; provided, however, that any such person must first apply for an exemption on forms to be furnished by the Building Official, with the exception of newspaper subscription solicitors.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.06 IMC defines a solicitor in § 5.06.010 as any person who sells, offers or exposes for sale, or trades or deals in personal property at retail in the City by going from house to house, from place to place, or by indiscriminately approaching individuals. A seller who occupies a vacant lot, parcel of land or any other place not used as a permanent place of business is also a solicitor, while a salesman or canvasser who solicits trade from wholesale or retail dealers in the City is not.
Section 5.06.020 bars anyone from acting as a solicitor within the City limits without a license. The exemptions cover farmers selling products they actually grew, harvested or produced (firewood excluded), charitable, religious or nonprofit organizations with tax exempt status under 26 USC 501(c)(3) or similar civic bodies, and newspaper subscription solicitors. Once the Building Official determines that a person is exempt, a copy of the approved application for exemption must be carried at all times while soliciting in the City.
Applicants file a sworn written application with the Building Official under § 5.06.030. It asks for name, home address, home telephone number, date of birth, driver's license, vehicle description and license plate number, the sponsor or employer being represented, a description of the items for sale, business references, and whether the applicant was ever convicted of a crime related to the sale or representation of goods. The Building Official verifies the information and issues the license on payment of the fee, but must deny it if the applicant was convicted within the last 10 years of a felony related to the sale or representation of goods, or made a false or misleading statement (§ 5.06.040).
The fee under § 5.06.050 is $30.00 per year plus $2.00 for each duplicate, $20.00 per year for a renewal, and $5.00 for an original or renewal license for persons 18 years of age or under who are sole owners or shareholders of the business. Every license expires on June 30th (§ 5.06.070), and the solicitor must exhibit it at the time of any solicitation and on request by a police officer (§ 5.06.060).
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with Chapter 5.06 is a misdemeanor under § 5.06.140, punished under Chapter 1.06 IMC. Section 1.06.010(A) sets a misdemeanor fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both, unless otherwise provided. The Building Official can suspend or revoke a license for violating any law in connection with the licensed business, running a nonconforming business, maintaining a public nuisance, or making a material false statement (§ 5.06.080).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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