New rules for door-to-door soliciting

New rules for door-to-door soliciting

Published on January 08, 2026

At its Dec. 9, 2025 meeting, the Lakewood City Council adopted a new ordinance for door-to-door soliciting and handing out flyers (handbills), reaffirming the community's expectations around privacy, respect and neighborhood safety.

The new rules come in response to an increase in resident complaints about unwanted or aggressive solicitation. Complaints included ignoring "No Soliciting" signs, coming back after a resident said no, and going door-to-door without the required permits.

The City recognizes the rights of speakers and the needs of nonprofit and community groups to raise money. We also recognize the desire of small-business owners who may have few alternative means of promoting their goods and services. However, over and above all of that are the rights and expectations of our residents.

The new ordinance is intended to balance the rights of those on both sides of the doorway - speakers, community and nonprofit groups, businesses and residents. While the City cannot completely ban door-to-door soliciting, it can set reasonable limits on when, where and how solicitation occurs, and it can help residents take steps to protect their privacy.

The updated ordinance clarifies when and how soliciting and flyer distribution may occur and reinforces expectations around respectful conduct.

Key rules for door-to-door solicitors

• No soliciting or flyers between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
• No soliciting or flyers anytime on Sundays and holidays.
• Anyone going door-to-door in Lakewood must have a valid City of Lakewood solicitor's license (sample shown in photo above).
• Solicitors and flyer distributors must leave right away if a resident asks them to leave.
• Solicitors and flyer distributors must respect any "No Soliciting" (or similar) signs.

You can download, print and post either of these two examples of No Soliciting signs:

No Solicitation sign #1(PDF, 130KB)(as shown in photo)

No Solicitation sign #2(PDF, 551KB)(similar to #1 but includes yellow background border)

Permit fee waiver for schools and nonprofits

The new ordinance is not meant to limit the ability of legitimate community nonprofits and school-related programs to raise funds.

As Lakewood recognizes the value of community-based fundraising, the ordinance includes a permit fee waiver for schools and nonprofit organizations when conducting activities that support their mission.

The City will continue partnering with these groups to ensure clear coordination and compliance with the rules.

Constitutionally protected speech

In general, soliciting and peddling involves the taking or soliciting of donations, taking orders for the sale of goods, wares, merchandise, services/employment or personal property of any nature for future delivery.

The ordinance does not apply to constitutionally protected speech of a political or religious nature, nor to neighbor-to-neighbor interaction (e.g., arranging a block party).

Enforcing the ordinance

The City's public safety team, including Lakewood Sheriff's Station personnel and City Public Safety Officers, will help monitor compliance and issue citations.

Fines for violations are:

• $250 for a first offense
• $500 for a second offense
• $1,000 for a third (or more) offense within a 12-month period

Even with enforcement, the "eyes and ears" of residents play an important role in reporting unwanted solicitation.

City Manager Thaddeus McCormack notes, "Our goal is to allow for and nurture authentic, vibrant communication and activity within our neighborhoods while at the same time protecting the privacy of our residents that is so integral to the quality of life that people deserve and expect."

• Community Safety