Kennewick, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License class
- Class II peddler's license
- Who needs it
- Peddlers, solicitors, itinerant vendors
- Fee
- Set in Kennewick Master Fee Schedule
- Exempt
- Religious, charitable, political canvassers
- Charity rule
- Must register with WA Secretary of State
- Penalty range
- $25 to $500 plus restitution
Summary
Kennewick requires anyone peddling, soliciting orders or acting as an itinerant vendor door-to-door to first obtain a Class II peddler's license under Kennewick Municipal Code § 6.23.040. Religious, charitable and political canvassers are exempt from the license, but charities must still register with the Washington Secretary of State before soliciting contributions in the city.
6.23.010 Generally: This Chapter regulates peddlers, solicitors, and all itinerant merchants. ... 6.23.030 Definitions: (2)Solicitor includes any person traveling from place to place, taking or offering to take orders for the sale of any goods, merchandise, service or produce. A "solicitor" for the purpose of requiring a license under Section 6.23.040 shall not include those engaged in religious, charitable, or political activities, including direct or anonymous political speech and the distribution of noncommercial handbills. ... 6.23.040 License Required: No peddler, solicitor, or itinerant vendor shall expose for sale, deliver or sell any goods or services or offer or take orders for sale or delivery without first procuring a license under this Chapter. ... 6.23.080 Revocation, Suspension and Penalties: The License Officer, or on review the Hearing Examiner, may suspend, revoke or refuse to issue a license if the licensee or applicant has violated any of the provisions of this Title for conducting any fraudulent, illegal or other deceptive practice. They may also assess a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
23 of the Kennewick Municipal Code, "Peddlers," regulates anyone who travels from place to place in the city selling goods, taking sales orders, or running a temporary business from a fixed or temporary location. 030 defines three categories: a peddler who exposes goods for sale or sells directly, a solicitor who takes or offers to take orders for later delivery, and an itinerant vendor who offers or delivers goods or services from a fixed or temporary location. 040 requires a license under this Chapter before any peddler, solicitor or itinerant vendor may expose for sale, deliver, sell, or offer or take orders for sale or delivery within the city.
050 sets the fee by reference to the Kennewick Master Fee Schedule adopted by City Council. 060. 030(2) for those engaged in religious, charitable, or political activities, including direct or anonymous political speech and the distribution of noncommercial handbills. 09 before soliciting charitable contributions in the city, unless the group qualifies for a state exemption. 090 makes it unlawful for any solicitor to misrepresent their name, occupation, residence, financial condition or the purpose of solicited funds.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 6.23.080, the License Officer, or the Hearing Examiner on review, may suspend, revoke or refuse to issue a peddler's license for any fraudulent, illegal or deceptive practice, and may assess a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $500.00 plus compensatory damages or restitution to anyone injured by the violation. An unpaid assessment automatically suspends the license until it is paid, though penalties are stayed during a timely appeal to the Hearing Examiner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door in Kennewick?
Are Girl Scout cookie sales or church fundraisers exempt?
What information does a peddler have to provide when applying?
What can get a peddler's license revoked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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