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

National City frames its door-to-door rule around the business tax license rather than a separate solicitor permit in the sections quoted here. Section 10.22.060 of the National City Municipal Code makes it unlawful for a person conducting commercial door-to-door solicitation or sales of merchandise to fail to observe nine requirements. Subsection A requires the original business tax license issued under Chapter 6.04, if a sole proprietor, or a photocopy, if an employee, to be carried on the person. Subsection B requires each employee to carry a letter of identification from the employer authorizing the employee to represent the employer, along with the photocopy of the license. Subsection C requires a photo identification card, such as a drivers license or other means of identification, to be carried for verification of subsections A and B.

The remaining subsections govern conduct at the door. Entry on private property clearly posted against trespassing, solicitation or peddling is prohibited (D). Sales or display of merchandise on public sidewalks is prohibited unless permitted under Chapter 13.30 (E). Sales of merchandise that requires refrigeration, including eggs, are prohibited (F). Handbills must be placed so they cannot blow away as litter (G). Vendors must not remain longer than one minute, or the time actually necessary to complete a sale, whichever is greater (H), and must leave immediately when the property owner or agent asks (I).

Section 7.20.070 adds property-owner protections in Title 7. It is unlawful for an itinerant vendor, peddler or solicitor to enter property distinctly posted 'no peddlers,' 'no solicitors' or similar words, and that unauthorized presence is cause for the city treasurer to immediately revoke applicable business licenses or solicitation permits held by the person. Selling outdoors on private property needs the owner's written permission, and selling any item from vehicles parked outdoors is explicitly forbidden except as provided by Section 11.32.150. A vehicle used for sale or display is impounded by the police department and can be held in storage until the violation has been prosecuted.

Enforcement of Chapter 10.22 sits with any police officer, any code conformance officer, or any other official authorized to enforce the municipal code (§ 10.22.080(B)).