Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Cottage Food Operations are legal in San Leandro under AB 1616/AB 1240. Register with Alameda County Environmental Health. Class A and B sales allowed.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales, register only | Direct sales |
| Class B | Indirect, needs inspection | Indirect + inspection |
| Revenue cap | 75,000 dollars/year | - |
| Also required | HOP + business license | - |
| County contact | (510) 567-6700 | - |
| State Law | - | AB 1616 / AB 1240 |
| Registration | - | Alameda County EH |
| Revenue Cap | - | 150,000 dollars |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my San Leandro kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with Alameda County Environmental Health, then sell directly to consumers from home or at approved venues.
Do I still need a San Leandro business license for cottage food?
Yes. A city business license and Home Occupation Permit are required in addition to county CFO registration.
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