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

Ontario Municipal Code Article 7 of Chapter 1, Title 3 regulates door-to-door sales city-wide. 701 defines a 'solicitor' or 'canvasser' broadly: anyone traveling house to house, street to street, or by phone taking or attempting to take orders for goods, wares, merchandise or future services, whether or not carrying samples, though the definition exempts sidewalk vendors who comply with Chapter 31 of Title 5. 702 makes it a misdemeanor to solicit in the city without first obtaining a permit under this article. 703 requires a sworn, duplicate application to the License Official listing the applicant's name and address, employer information, the goods sold, how long the applicant intends to solicit, and evidence the applicant's photograph and fingerprints are already on file with the Police Department, plus a criminal history disclosure.

704 sets a $10 investigation fee, non-refundable regardless of outcome. 707). 708 limits each permit to one individual, though supplementary permits can be issued to additional solicitors working for an organization that already holds one. 712). 715 requires a $500 cash or surety bond. 714 by showing nonprofit status and publishing notice of the solicitation in a local newspaper.