Cottage Food Operations: Burbank vs Norwalk
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Burbank, CA and Norwalk, CA?
Norwalk has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank Municipal Code 10-1-672 expressly recognizes a cottage food operation as a permitted home occupation, allowing one non-resident employee and use of the home kitchen area permitted by the Health Department, with accessory structures limited to storage. Cottage food operations are governed at the state level by California Health & Safety Code Section 113758, which the City code cross-references.
View full Burbank rules →Norwalk, CA
Los Angeles County
Norwalk permits certain homemade food products to be sold directly to consumers under cottage food laws. Products must be non-potentially hazardous and properly labeled.
View full Norwalk rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| City Code Section | BMC 10-1-672(B), (C), (D)(3), (F) | - |
| State Law | CA Health & Safety Code Sec. 113758 | - |
| Non-Resident Employees | 1 allowed (cottage food only) | - |
| Permitted Area | Home kitchen area per Health Department | - |
| Accessory Structures | Storage only | - |
| Non-cottage food handling | Prohibited (BMC 10-1-673.D) | - |
| Allowed | - | Baked goods, jams, candy |
| Revenue Cap | - | Varies by state |
| Labeling | - | Required with allergens |
| Inspection | - | Generally not required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Burbank home?
Yes, as a cottage food operation. BMC 10-1-672 recognizes a cottage food operation as a permitted home occupation and allows one non-resident employee and use of the Health-Department-permitted home kitchen area. It must comply with California Health & Safety Code Section 113758, the California Homemade Food Act.
Can a cottage food operation in Burbank hire help?
Yes, one person. Unlike other Burbank home occupations, which are limited to residents of the dwelling, BMC 10-1-672.C entitles a cottage food operation to one non-resident employee.
Can I use a shed or garage for my cottage food business?
Only for storage. BMC 10-1-672.F provides that cottage food operations may only use accessory structures for storage, consistent with California Health & Safety Code Section 113758(b)(7); food preparation must occur in the permitted home kitchen.
Norwalk FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Norwalk 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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