Cottage Food Operations: Carson vs Santa Monica
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Carson, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
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 →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 | Carson | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Allowed | - | Exception to home occupation rules |
| Employees | - | CFO exception applies |
| State Law | - | CA HSC §113758 |
| Code | - | SMMC §9.31.160 |
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.
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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