Ordinance Amending Solicitor
Regulations and Update to Penalties
for Violations
Danny Castro
Planning and Development Director
August 19, 2026
The Ask…
Adopt Ordinance amending
solicitor regulations and approve
increase in penalties for violations
of the solicitor regulations.
Background
CMC Chapter 5.34 establishes a permitting and regulatory program for solicitors • Applies to persons traveling door to door who announce the availability of services or employment, the sale or exchange of goods or merchandise, or a request for funds or other property
• Permit required; Valid for one year.
• Solicitation prohibited from 7:00 pm to 8:00 am.
• No solicitation if “No Soliciting/Trespassing” signs posted • No sound-making devices in certain areas
• No soliciting in and from vehicles
• Aggressive soliciting prohibited
• Revocation/suspension of permits for violations
• Violations and penalties for failure to comply
3 Background
• At the July 1, 2026 meeting, Council considered VM Speake’s request to update solicitor regulations.
• City Council directed staff to return with an Ordinance amending certain sections of CMC Chapter 5.34 and to
increase the administrative penalties for violations of the solicitor regulations.
4 Solicitor Regulations Update
(CMC Chapter 5.34)
Solicitor definition amended to include “lead generators” – persons who collect information for the purpose of connecting persons with providers of services, goods or merchandise.
Solicitation at locations with a posted sign “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” is considered aggressive soliciting. Subject to increased penalties.
Solicitor Permit Revocation/Suspension. Aggressive soliciting activity can result in permits being revoked or suspended after one violation; other violations can result in permits being revoked after 3 violations within a 12-month period.
For enforcement purposes, “responsible person” includes, in addition to the solicitor, the owner, officers, partners and managers of the firm, association, partnership or other legal entity that employs the solicitor who violates any regulation. 5 Solicitor Regulations Update
(CMC Chapter 5.34)
Requires Solicitor to wear identification
card. Visible; identifiable; issued by the
City, includes name, photo, permit
number, and name of solicitor’s
employer.
6 Administrative Penalties
Increased Fines for Violations
7 Violation Description Fine 1
st Offense 2nd Offense
Each
Additional
Offense
CMC 5.34 Solicitor
regulations
Current $100 $200 $500
Proposed $200 $400 $1,000
CMC
5.34.160
Aggressive
Soliciting
Current $100 $200 $500
Proposed $1,000 $1,500 $1,500
Operational Enhancements
• In 2024, adjustment was made to transfer permitting of solicitors from Police to Planning and Development, to streamline process.
• Enforcement has been a collaborative effort with Police. • Cross-training with Planning and Development/Police to increase effectiveness in response to calls re soliciting activities.
• Created shared resources to track permits and violations. • Update City website and FAQs.
• Update Solicitor Permit application to inform public and solicitor applicants about updated requirements and penalties for violations. 8 Public Education Awareness
Recommended Action:
Adopt Ordinance amending solicitor
regulations and approve increase in
penalties for violations of the solicitor
regulations.
August 19, 2026