Cottage Food Operations: Berkeley vs Hayward
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Berkeley and Hayward have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley permits Cottage Food Operations under CA AB 1616/AB 1240. Class A direct sales need registration with Alameda County; Class B indirect sales need a permit and home inspection.
View full Berkeley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hayward follows California AB 1616 and AB 1240 rules, allowing Class A and Class B cottage food operations with Alameda County Environmental Health registration.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales, register only | - |
| Class B | Indirect, needs inspection | Inspection required |
| Revenue cap | 75,000 dollars/year | - |
| Also required | HOP + business license | - |
| County contact | (510) 567-6700 | - |
| State law | - | AB 1616 CFO |
| Registration | - | Alameda Env Health |
| Sales cap | - | 75,000 dollars/year |
| MEHKO | - | Not yet in Alameda County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I sell homemade tamales under cottage food?
No. Tamales contain meat and fillings classified as potentially hazardous - they are not on the CDPH approved cottage food list. Selling them requires MEHKO (if available) or a commercial kitchen.
Do I need Berkeley approval if I am already registered with the county?
Yes. You still need a Berkeley Home Occupation Permit under BMC 23.306 and a city Business License. The county handles food safety; the city handles zoning and business registration.
Hayward FAQ
Can I sell hot meals from my kitchen?
Not yet in Alameda County. Only cottage foods (baked, non-hazardous) are allowed until the county opts into MEHKO.
Do I need a business license?
Yes, a Hayward Business Tax Certificate plus state CFO registration through Alameda County.
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