Cottage Food Operations: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
California AB 1616 and AB 1240 authorize cottage food operations from home kitchens. San Bernardino operators must register with County Environmental Health and follow state product, label, and sales rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State authority | - | CA Homemade Food Act AB 1616 and AB 1240 |
| Class A | - | Direct sales only, self-registration and food handler course |
| Class B | - | Indirect sales allowed, annual home-kitchen inspection |
| Revenue caps | - | 75,000 dollars Class A and 150,000 dollars Class B |
| Labeling | - | Must disclose home kitchen and allergens per state rule |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my San Bernardino home?
Yes, register as a Class A or B cottage food operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health and follow the state approved food list and labeling rules.
Can I sell my homemade salsa or canned tomatoes?
Only low-acid or properly acidified items on the approved list qualify; most home-canned vegetables are not allowed due to botulism risk.
Can I advertise my cottage food business with a yard sign?
No. State law allows the operation, but San Bernardino home occupation signage rules still prohibit exterior business signs.
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