Los Angeles requires a commercial solicitor permit under LAMC §42.13 for door-to-door commercial canvassing. The Police Commission issues permits after a background check. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is exempt under First Amendment protections. Posted "No Soliciting" signs are legally enforceable against commercial canvassers.
Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 42.13 regulates commercial solicitation and peddling within the city. Any person engaging in door-to-door commercial sales, magazine subscriptions, or similar canvassing must apply for a solicitor permit through the LAPD Commission Investigation Division, undergo a LiveScan background check, and carry the city-issued identification card at all times while soliciting. Permit fees run approximately $419 plus fingerprinting costs, and the permit is generally valid for one year.
The ordinance carves out broad exemptions for non-commercial canvassing — religious proselytizing, political campaigning, charitable fundraising, and union organizing are constitutionally protected under Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002), and the city cannot require a permit for purely expressive activity. Commercial canvassers must observe posted "No Soliciting" signs and may not solicit at residences that have given written notice refusing visits. Solicitation hours are typically restricted to between 9:00 AM and sunset.
Soliciting without a permit, ignoring "No Soliciting" signs, or canvassing outside permitted hours is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. LAPD may revoke permits for fraud or repeated violations. Permits may also be denied or revoked for disqualifying criminal history.
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