Fremont, California: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes: a vending permit, and the city's permit page lists door to door solicitors by name. It is unlawful to solicit, or to employ another to solicit, without one (5.35.030(a)). The application is personal to each rep: name, photo ID, two photos, employer, Livescan (5.35.130, 5.35.140).
• Where it comes from: Fremont Municipal Code Chapter 5.35, Vendors and Solicitors, and the city's Vendor/Solicitor Permit page. Applications go in person to the Finance Department's Revenue Division at the Development Services Center.
• Fee: $275 per applicant in the Vendors and Solicitors column of the city's fee table: $162 permit plus $113 background check fee ($162 + $113 = $275). The page says the fees apply to new and renewing applications and have been in effect since July 15, 2021. The code only says the fee is set by council resolution (5.35.130(b)).
• Hours you may knock: In residentially zoned areas, 8:00 a.m. to one half-hour after sunset (5.35.150). Commercial and industrial zones get longer hours under the same section.
• What the rep carries: The permit, in the rep's immediate possession at all times while soliciting, shown on demand to any law enforcement officer and to anyone being solicited (5.35.090(b)).
• What takes the time: A Livescan fingerprint background check for every applicant (5.35.140), two passport-quality photos, proof of a Fremont business tax certificate, and evidence of general liability insurance (5.35.130(a)). In person filing only. The permit runs 12 months and the renewal is due 60 calendar days before it expires (5.35.050). No processing time is published.
• Code: Fremont Municipal Code 5.35.010 to 5.35.380 (Ord. 06-2021, 6-15-21). The code host says it is current through Ordinance 02-2026, passed May 5, 2026.
• Worth knowing: The permit is on top of the city business tax certificate (5.35.070). A conviction of the applicant or any employee in the prior five years, other than minor traffic violations, is a ground for denial (5.35.320(a)(4)). Reps who sell only to local businesses, governments or schools are outside the chapter (5.35.040(c)).
• Read it yourself: Fremont Municipal Code Chapter 5.35 · City of Fremont Vendor/Solicitor Permit page · Fremont Municipal Code front page · checked 18 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: How long does the permit take once the Livescan is in? What general liability coverage level does the city accept for a door-to-door rep? Does each rep need a separate business tax certificate or does the company's cover them? Is there a No Soliciting sign rule the reps must follow? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________