Cottage Food Operations: Altadena vs Long Beach
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Altadena, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Long Beach.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations in unincorporated LA County are governed by California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616/AB 626). Class A operators sell direct to consumers. Class B operators (indirect sales, farmers markets) need LA County DPH registration. Annual sales caps apply.
View full Altadena rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations are allowed in Long Beach with a one-time application fee of $139.20. Class A CFOs sell direct to consumers; Class B may sell through third-party retailers. Food preparation is otherwise prohibited as a home occupation.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales, $75,000 cap | Direct sale only |
| Class B | County health registration needed | Direct + indirect sale |
| State Law | CA HSC 113758 | CA HSC AB 1616 |
| Labeling | Home kitchen disclosure required | - |
| Application Fee | - | $139.20 (one-time) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from home in LA County?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food Law. Class A permits direct sales up to $75,000/year from your home or farmers markets with just a self-certification checklist. No commercial kitchen is needed.
What foods can I sell under the Cottage Food Law?
Non-potentially-hazardous foods: baked goods, candy, chocolate, dried fruit, granola, honey, jams/jellies, nut butters, popcorn, and more. Foods requiring refrigeration are not permitted.
Do I need a health permit for cottage food?
Class A (direct sales only) requires only a self-certification checklist. Class B (sales through stores/restaurants) requires registration with LA County Department of Public Health at (888) 700-9995.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Long Beach allows certain shelf-stable foods sold directly to consumers with proper labeling.
Do I need a commercial kitchen?
No, cottage food laws allow production in your home kitchen without commercial inspection, within revenue limits.
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