El Monte, California: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes. The city's Business Permits page lists a Solicitor permit, and its sheet asks for a list of the names of everyone who will be soliciting. On top of the permit, the code charges a business license tax on every person soliciting or canvassing (5.08.370). Going house to house taking orders for goods or services to be delivered later is "soliciting" under the code (5.04.010 definitions).
• Where it comes from: El Monte Municipal Code 5.08.370, Solicitors or canvassers, and Chapter 5.12, Business Permits Generally. The permit sheet is on the city's Business Permits page; business permits go through the city's Permit Committee and License Department.
• Fee: The city's Solicitor sheet lists: permit fee, new, $157.00; license tax $200.00 per quarter or $500.00 per year; processing fee $40.00; SB-1186 $4.00. The code makes the license tax per person: $200.00 per person per calendar quarter, or $500.00 per person per year if paid in full at the original application (5.08.370(A)). The sheet does not say whether the $157.00 permit fee is per company or per rep.
• Hours you may knock: Not published. The code has no peddler or solicitor chapter setting knocking hours, and the city's Solicitor sheet lists none.
• What the rep carries: Not published. Neither the code sections read nor the city's Solicitor sheet names a badge or ID.
• What takes the time: The business permit. Permit applications go to the Permit Committee, and the code gives it thirty days from a completed application for the permits it names (5.12.060). All other city fees and taxes must be paid before a permit issues (5.12.260). A permit expires with the business license (5.12.230).
• Code: El Monte Municipal Code 5.04.010 (definitions), 5.08.370 (solicitors or canvassers tax), 5.08.300 (peddling tax), Chapter 5.12 (business permits). Municode showed "Version: Feb 24, 2026 (current)" on the day checked.
• Worth knowing: No license tax is charged on a bona fide employee of a business already licensed in El Monte who solicits orders for that regular employer (5.08.370(B)). A company claiming an interstate commerce exemption files a verified statement with the license collector (5.04.080).
• Read it yourself: El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 5.08, Business License Taxes (5.08.370 Solicitors or canvassers) · El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 5.04, Business Licenses Generally · El Monte Municipal Code Chapter 5.12, Business Permits Generally · City of El Monte Business Permits · City of El Monte Solicitor permit sheet (PDF) · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Is the $157.00 solicitor permit fee per company or per rep?
• Does the city set any hours for door-to-door sales, and where is that written?
• Does each rep need a city-issued ID or badge, and is there a background check?
• How long does the Permit Committee take on a solicitor permit?

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________