Cottage Food Operations: Carson vs Pasadena
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Carson, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations (CFOs) are governed by California Health & Safety Code §113758. Class A CFOs (up to $75,000 gross annual sales, direct sales only) and Class B CFOs (up to $150,000, direct + indirect sales) are state-protected as permitted residential uses. Carson cannot ban CFOs; the City issues a business license and the LA County Department of Public Health (Environmental Health) registers/permits the CFO.
View full Carson rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
California's Cottage Food Law allows home-based food production. Class A operations (direct sales, $75K cap) register with Pasadena Health Department. Class B (indirect sales, $150K cap) require county registration. City business license also required.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Cal. HSC §113758 (CFO definition & caps) | - |
| Class A cap | $75,000 gross annual sales (direct sales) | - |
| Class B cap | $150,000 gross annual sales (direct + indirect) | - |
| Permitting | LA County Public Health (Environmental Health) | - |
| Local license | Carson business license required (carsonca.gov) | - |
| Class A | - | Direct sales, $75K cap |
| Class B | - | Indirect sales, $150K cap |
| Health Dept | - | Pasadena (independent) |
| Business License | - | Required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can Carson stop me from running a cottage food business from my home?
No. California HSC §113758 preempts local bans on Class A and Class B cottage food operations. Carson can require a standard business license but cannot prohibit the use.
Where do I register my CFO?
Register or permit with the LA County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health division. Carson is in unincorporated LA County for public health jurisdiction.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Pasadena 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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