Peddlers and Solicitors
Los Altos Municipal section Chapter 4.24 - Peddlers and Solicitors outlines rules and regulations pertaining to peddlers and solicitors operating in Los Altos.
- A permit is required in the city of Los Altos for a business or individual to solicit door to door.
- There is a fee for a permit to solicit and once the permit is issued, it is valid for 60 days.
- A person who has successfully passed a background check will be issued a permit.
- The solicitor will have the permit available upon request if a resident or city official inquires.
- A solicitor may only solicit between the hours of 8 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.
- If someone knocks on your door outside of these hours, you may call (650) 947-2770 to report an unlawful solicitor.
- You are not required to answer your door to a solicitor, but it is advisable to acknowledge them through your door by stating "I am not interested".
- A resident may post a "No Soliciting" sign on their premise to deter solicitors.
If you observe a code violation that represents an emergency, requires an immediate response, or causes a danger to the public, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
The intent of the Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance is to protect the safety and security of the city of Los Altos residents while in their residences. This Ordinance is also intended to reflect the United States Supreme Court's opinions on the constitutionality of laws regulating peddlers and solicitors as well as state laws and regulations.
To Apply for a Solicitor’s Permit:
- Download and fill out the Solicitor Permit Application packet.
- Submit Live Scan fingerprints using the BCIA 8016 form. Here are locations that conduct applicant live scan fingerprinting nearby, contact them to schedule your appointment. *Live Scan fee(s) are paid by the applicant. Live Scan Fingerprinting is not required for renewals. Please retain a copy of the BCIA 8016 form with the ATI# or note the date and location where live scan was completed. The live scan result time varies and will be sent directly to the Los Altos Police Department.
- Next, bring the completed application to the Police Department front desk between the hours of 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday and pay the fee.
- Once the application is approved, you will need to obtain a business license from City Hall.
Solicitor Permit Exemptions:
- If a peddler or solicitor offers for sale only goods or services with an asking price of less than ten dollars ($10.00) per item;
- If a peddler or solicitor is only distributing handbills door to door without contacting the property owner(s). *Handbills must be secured to reduce litter.
Online Code Enforcement Complaint Form
Please note: This form is for non-emergency use only, as submissions will only be reviewed during business hours. Code Enforcement may also be contacted by email CodeEnforcement@losaltosca.gov or by phone (650) 947-2775.
