Council adopts ordinance on soliciting and handbill distribution
Published on December 10, 2025
At their Dec. 9, 2025 meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted to adopt a new ordinance on soliciting and distributing handbills, reaffirming the community’s expectations around privacy, respect and neighborhood safety.
The new rules come in response to an increase in resident complaints regarding aggressive or unwanted solicitation, including ignoring “No Soliciting” signs, repeated visits after refusal and individuals operating without proper permits. The updated ordinance clarifies when and how soliciting may occur and reinforces expectations around respectful conduct.
Key provisions include:
- Solicitors may solicit only during specified daytime hours.
- Solicitors must respect any “No Soliciting” signage.
- Solicitors must leave immediately when asked by a resident.
The ordinance will take effect in 30 days and dovetails with the escalating fine structure approved by the Council last month to discourage unpermitted or aggressive activity.
Violations related to soliciting or handbill distribution will now be subject to a $250 fine for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense within a 12-month period.
Recognizing the value of community-based fundraising, the ordinance includes a permit fee waiver for schools and nonprofit organizations conducting activities that support their mission. The City will continue partnering with these groups to ensure clear coordination and compliance.
Enforcing the ordinance
Once the ordinance takes effect, the City’s public safety team—including Lakewood Sheriff’s Station personnel and Public Safety Officers—will help monitor compliance.
However, the “eyes and ears” of residents remain essential in reporting unwanted solicitation. Public outreach will accompany the rollout to ensure residents and businesses understand the updated rules, and a “No Solicitation” template will be shared on the city website for interested residents to print and post.
Anyone going door-to-door in Lakewood must have a valid solicitor’s license from the City of Lakewood (sample below).
How you can help
If you come across an unlicensed solicitor, you should contact the Sheriff's Department at 562-623-3500 at the time it is occurring with a description of the individual(s) and their business information, if you were able to obtain it.
Service requests for solicitors who make routine visits can also be submitted via the Lakewood Connect app, lakewoodca.gov/service or by calling City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140.
Be sure to provide the days and times they solicit, along with a description and business information.
City Manager Thaddeus McCormack notes, “We want to ensure the spirit of the law supports the authentic, responsible community engagement that defines Lakewood, while also protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”