San Diego Municipal Code §33.0501 requires commercial solicitors and peddlers to obtain a city-issued permit and a numbered identification badge from the Police Department. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is exempt. Solicitors must visibly display the badge at all times and observe "No Soliciting" signs.
Chapter 3, Article 3, Division 5 of the San Diego Municipal Code (§33.0501 et seq.) governs solicitors and peddlers operating within the city. Any person going door-to-door to solicit orders for goods or services must first file an application with the San Diego Police Department, submit fingerprints for a background check, and receive a numbered identification badge that must be conspicuously worn whenever soliciting. Permits are typically issued for one year and renewable.
The ordinance follows the constitutional framework set by Watchtower v. Stratton (2002): religious, political, and purely charitable canvassing are exempt because requiring permits for such expressive activity would be an unconstitutional prior restraint. Commercial solicitors must respect posted "No Soliciting" signs and are restricted from visiting any home after sunset or before 8:00 AM. The police chief may deny or revoke a permit for false statements, fraud, or conduct posing a public-safety risk.
Soliciting without a permit, failing to display the badge, or canvassing outside permitted hours is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail per SDMC §12.0201. Repeated violations may result in permit revocation. Ignoring a posted "No Soliciting" sign is a separate citable offense.
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