Cottage Food Operations: Chino vs Fontana
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / AB 1144) permits Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) producing approved non-potentially-hazardous foods from a private home kitchen, under California Health & Safety Code section 113758 et seq. CFOs are permitted by San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services. Cal. HSC section 113758 expressly preempts local zoning bans on CFOs as long as state requirements are met; Chino must allow Class A and Class B CFOs as a residential use, though it may impose reasonable zoning conditions consistent with state law.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana residents can run a Cottage Food Operation under AB 1616 after registering with San Bernardino County Environmental Health. AB 1240 allows microenterprise home kitchens serving full meals.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Cal. HSC section 113758 et seq. (Homemade Food Act) | - |
| Permit | Class A: register; Class B: permit + inspection | - |
| Permitting agency | San Bernardino County Public Health, Environmental Health | - |
| Sales cap | $150,000/year gross (AB 1144) | - |
| Local ban | Preempted by state - Chino must allow CFOs | - |
| Permit authority | - | San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services |
| CFO classes | - | Class A direct sales; Class B wholesale with inspection |
| CFO annual cap | - | 75,000 dollars gross sales, inflation adjusted |
| Approved foods | - | CDPH low-risk list - baked goods, jams, dried items, candy |
| MEHKO option | - | Up to 90 meals per week, 100,000 dollars annual under AB 1240 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I bake cookies in my Chino kitchen and sell them at farmers markets?
Yes, if you register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, complete the required state-approved food handler training, and only sell foods on the CDPH-approved CFO list. State law preempts local bans on CFOs (HSC section 113758).
Can I sell cottage food to Chino restaurants and grocery stores?
Yes, but you need a Class B CFO permit (not just registration), which requires a kitchen inspection by San Bernardino County Environmental Health.
Can I run a home kitchen serving full meals under MEHKO rules in Chino?
Only if San Bernardino County has opted into the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations program under HSC section 114367. Verify current opt-in status with County Environmental Health - many counties have not adopted MEHKOs.
Fontana FAQ
Can I sell home-baked cookies from my Fontana kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, obtain a Fontana business license, and label products per CDPH rules.
Can I cook full meals at home and sell them?
Yes through a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit (AB 1240) - San Bernardino County has opted in, with limits of 90 meals per week and 100,000 dollars annually.
Do CFO sales have a dollar cap?
Yes. California caps CFO gross sales at 75,000 dollars per year, adjusted periodically for inflation; MEHKO has a separate 100,000 dollar cap.
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