Santa Cruz, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- §5.40
- Permitted Hours
- 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- No-Solicit Sign
- Per se violation
Summary
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §5.40.030 requires a business license for peddling or soliciting; §5.40.050 limits door-to-door solicitation to 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. §5.40.040 bars entry on premises posted with a no-solicitation sign.
It shall be unlawful for any person, while conducting peddling, soliciting or canvassing activity in the city, to enter upon any residential premises between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Definitions distinguish peddler (selling goods door-to-door), solicitor (taking donations or orders for future delivery), and canvasser (information collection/dissemination). Religious and political canvassing receive First Amendment protections and limited exemptions under §5.40.060. Posted no-solicitation signs at the entry create a per se violation under §5.40.040.
Violations & Fines
Infraction under §5.40.070; business license revocation possible. Aggressive solicitation is separately addressed by Ch. 9.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bar door-to-door sales?
Are religious canvassers exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz to another location·View the California soliciting & door-to-door overview
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