San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 6.54 requires a peddler/solicitor permit issued by the Chief of Police for door-to-door commercial canvassing. Applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a background check. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt. "No Soliciting" signs are enforceable for commercial visits.
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 6.54 (Peddlers and Solicitors) requires any person engaged in door-to-door commercial sales or solicitation to first apply for and obtain a written permit from the Chief of Police. Applicants must provide identification, employer information, the goods or services being offered, and submit fingerprints for a background check. Permits are typically valid for one year and are non-transferable. Permittees must carry the city-issued ID and produce it on demand.
Consistent with Watchtower v. Stratton (2002), the chapter exempts non-commercial canvassing — religious proselytizing, political campaigning, charitable solicitation, and similar expressive activity — because those uses cannot constitutionally be subjected to a prior-permit requirement. Solicitation hours are restricted to daylight (typically 9:00 AM to sunset). Commercial canvassers must observe any posted "No Soliciting" or "No Trespassing" signs.
Soliciting without a permit, soliciting after sunset, or ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is a misdemeanor under SJMC §1.08, punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Permits may be denied or revoked for fraud, criminal history, or violations of the chapter.
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