Cottage Food Operations: Chino vs Rialto
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Homemade Food Operations Act (Health & Safety Code §113758 and §114365) and the Cottage Food Law preempt most local zoning of cottage food operations (CFOs). Class A CFOs (direct sales) and Class B CFOs (direct + indirect sales) may operate from a private home in any residential zone, including Rialto, subject to San Bernardino County Department of Public Health registration / permit. Rialto cannot prohibit a CFO but may require a home-occupation permit and business license under RMC Title 5 and Title 18.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | San Bernardino County Department of Public Health |
| Sales cap | $150,000/year gross (AB 1144) | - |
| Local ban | Preempted by state - Chino must allow CFOs | - |
| State statute | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365 |
| Class A CFO cap | - | $75,000 gross sales / year (indexed) |
| Class B CFO cap | - | $150,000 gross sales / year (indexed) |
| Local preemption | - | City cannot prohibit; may regulate as home occupation |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto stop me from running a cottage-food bakery from my home?
No. Cal. Health & Safety Code §114365 expressly forbids local prohibition of CFOs in residences. Rialto may require a business license and home-occupation clearance, but cannot ban the use itself.
Where do I register a Class A CFO in Rialto?
Through the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services. Class A operations require registration; Class B operations require a permit and annual inspection.
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