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

Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 7.36 (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. Solicitors must immediately leave any property displaying a clearly visible "No Soliciting" or "No Trespassing" sign under RMC Chapter 7.36 and Penal Code §602; ignoring posted signs escalates to trespass. The federal Green River Ordinance doctrine and subsequent Supreme Court decisions (Watchtower Bible v. Stratton, 536 U.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. Scams targeting seniors are a frequent Richmond Police Department concern; the three-day right-to-cancel under CA Civil Code §1689.6 applies to all in-home sales over $25.