Section 610.160 of the Code of the City of Washington prohibits Canvassers, Peddlers or Solicitors from entering upon any private property where the current occupant has posted the property on the City’s “no visit” list except where the posting form indicates the occupant has given permission for this type of visit. This prohibition does not apply when the Canvasser, Peddler or Canvasser has an express invitation from the resident or occupant of a dwelling allowing him/her to enter upon the property.
Section 610.010 of the Code of the City of Washington defines peddlers, solicitors and canvassers as follows:
CANVASSER: A person who attempts to make personal contact with a resident at his/her residence without prior specific invitation or appointment from the resident, for the primary purpose of (a) attempting to enlist support for or against a particular religion, philosophy, ideology, political party, issue or candidate, even if incidental to such purpose the Canvasser accepts the donation of money for or against such cause, or (b) distributing a handbill or flyer advertising a non-commercial event or service.
PEDDLER: A person who attempts to make personal contact with a resident at his/her residence without prior specific invitation or appointment from the resident for the primary purpose of attempting to sell a good or service. A "peddler" does not include a person who distributes handbills or flyers for a commercial purpose, advertising an event, activity, good or service that is offered to the resident for purchase at a location away from the residence or at a time different from the time of visit. Such a person is a "solicitor".
SOLICITOR: A person who attempts to make personal contact with a resident at his/her residence without prior specific invitation or appointment from the resident for the primary purpose of (a) attempting to obtain a donation to a particular patriotic, philanthropic, social service, welfare, benevolent, educational, civic, fraternal, charitable, political or religious purpose, even if incidental to such purpose there is the sale of some good or service, or (b) distributing a handbill or flyer advertising a commercial event or service.