Verified October 29, 2026 from official California sources.
The short answer: California has two ways to sell food from home. A Home Kitchen permit (MEHKO) lets you sell full home-cooked meals, but only if your city or county has approved the program. A Cottage Food permit lets you sell baked goods and other shelf-stable foods anywhere in the state. Both are issued by your local environmental health department.
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Yes, with a MEHKO permit, if your area allows it. A MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation) is a small restaurant run from your home kitchen. The state health department explains that until a county or city approves MEHKOs, no permits can be issued there.
Where MEHKOs are allowed (confirmed on official county and city pages): Alameda County (except Berkeley), City of Berkeley, Contra Costa, Imperial, Lake, Los Angeles County (except Pasadena, Long Beach and Vernon), City of Long Beach, Monterey, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Sierra, Solano and Sonoma. Santa Cruz County runs a pilot through December 31, 2026. Programs change, so always check with your county environmental health department first. See every California county
MEHKO limits:
How customers get the food: pickup, dine-in at your home, or delivery by you or someone in your household. Third-party delivery apps are not allowed except for customers with a disability. Customers can order through an online platform such as Chef Next Door.
Advertising: your ads and online listings must include the statement "Made in a Home Kitchen." No outdoor signs advertising your MEHKO.
Shelf-stable foods on the state's approved list, such as breads, cookies, cakes without cream fillings, pies, jams and jellies, candy, granola, dried fruit, nuts and dry mixes. Foods that need refrigeration are not allowed under Cottage Food. One home can run a Cottage Food operation or a MEHKO, not both.
| Type | How you sell | Annual sales limit | Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (registration) | Directly to customers | $75,000 | No routine inspection; self-check form |
| Class B (permit) | Directly and through stores or restaurants | $150,000 | Inspected before the permit is issued |
You must complete a food processor course within three months of registering. Fees are set by your county.
Cottage food products must be labeled with the product name, ingredients, your operation's name and address, and your registration or permit number with the county where it was issued, following the state's cottage food labeling guide. MEHKO advertising must show "Made in a Home Kitchen."
Chef Next Door connects permitted home cooks with neighbors who want homemade food. You set your menu, prices and hours, and keep 100% of your menu prices.
iPhone app coming soon.
Related: Permits by state · Arizona · Utah · Washington
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and can differ by city and county. Confirm with your state or local health or agriculture department before you sell.