Cottage Food Operations: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations are permitted in Santa Monica under CA HSC §113758 as an exception to home occupation rules. CFOs may have non-resident employees for cottage food per SMMC §9.31.160. State registration or permit required.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales, $75,000 cap | - |
| Class B | County health registration needed | - |
| State Law | CA HSC 113758 | CA HSC §113758 |
| Labeling | Home kitchen disclosure required | - |
| Allowed | - | Exception to home occupation rules |
| Employees | - | CFO exception applies |
| Code | - | SMMC §9.31.160 |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Santa Monica 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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