Richmond, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial Solicitors Need
- Commercial solicitors need Peddler/Solicitor Permit + background check
- Hours Typically 9
- Hours: typically 9 AM-8 PM; honor "No Soliciting" signs
- Religious Political Charitable
- Religious, political, charitable canvassing exempt (Watchtower v. Stratton)
- Inhome Sales 3day
- In-home sales: 3-day right to cancel under Civil Code §1689.6
- Contractors Must Carry
- Contractors must carry CSLB license + solicitor permit
Summary
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Richmond must register with the city and obtain a Peddler/Solicitor Permit under RMC Chapter 7.36, carry ID, and honor posted "No Soliciting" signs. Political, religious, and charitable canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections.
Title 14 enacted 1872. ) 602. Except as provided in subdivisions (u), (v), and (x), and Section 602.8, a person who willfully commits a trespass by any of the following acts is guilty of a misdemeanor: (a) Cutting down, destroying, or injuring any kind of wood or timber standing or growing upon the lands of another. (b) Carrying away any kind of wood or timber lying on those lands. (c) Maliciously injuring or severing from the freehold of another anything attached to it, or its produce. (d) Digging, taking, or carrying away from a lot situated within the limits of an incorporated city, without the license of the owner or legal occupant, any earth, soil, or stone. (e) Digging, taking, or carrying away from land in a city
Full Breakdown
36 (Peddlers and Solicitors) requires any person soliciting door-to-door for commercial sales, including home improvement, security systems, energy/solar sales, magazine subscriptions, or cable/internet, to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor Permit from the City Clerk or Finance Department. Application includes a Live Scan background check, fingerprints, photo ID, employer information, and a fee. Permits are typically valid for 6-12 months and must be carried and presented on request. Solicitation hours are typically limited to 9:00 AM-8:00 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier. 36 and Penal Code §602; ignoring posted signs escalates to trespass.
The federal Green River Ordinance doctrine and subsequent Supreme Court decisions (Watchtower Bible v. S. 150) require that political, religious, and non-commercial canvassing be exempt from registration requirements, Richmond's ordinance explicitly exempts these activities. Charitable solicitation is separately regulated under CA Gov. Code §12580 et seq. (Registry of Charitable Trusts). Home improvement contractors door-knocking must be CSLB-licensed and carry their contractor license. 6 applies to all in-home sales over $25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my "No Soliciting" sign legally binding in Richmond?
Can Jehovah's Witnesses or campaign volunteers knock on my door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the California soliciting & door-to-door overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle solicitor permits.