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

Chapter 5.68 was adopted under the city's police powers and Government Code Section 51036 et seq. to regulate sale of food and merchandise in the public right-of-way. Section 5.68.030 makes it unlawful to operate as a sidewalk vendor without a valid permit, though a bona fide charity is exempt and instead regulated under Business and Professions Code Section 17510 et seq. Applications under Section 5.68.040 must go to the community and economic development director and include the applicant's identification, a seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, name and photograph, principal's information if acting as an agent, a description of goods offered, the proposed location or route, proof of liability insurance, and a description of ancillary equipment, accompanied by a council-set application fee.

The director may reject or deny any application and may request supplemental information, and a denial is appealable to the city manager, whose decision is final. Section 5.68.050 sets the permit term at twelve months, nontransferable and issued to persons rather than to pushcarts or wagons. Section 5.68.060 lets the director revoke or suspend a permit after ten days' written notice of a revocation hearing if violations are shown by substantial evidence, and bars reissuance until the director is satisfied the applicant will comply and a re-application fee is paid.