Cottage Food Operations: Downey vs Santa Clarita
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Downey, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?
Downey has fewer restrictions than Santa Clarita.
Downey, CA
Los Angeles County
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 / AB 1271) allows home-based food production. Class A (direct sales) up to $75,000/year; Class B (indirect sales) requires county health permit. Downey business license also required.
View full Downey rules →Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Cottage food operations allowed per CA law. Max 1 non-family employee. No signs except government-required. Must comply with LA County DPH and CA DPH requirements.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downey | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | AB 1616 Cottage Food Act | - |
| Class A | Direct sales up to $75K/yr | - |
| Class B | Indirect sales, county permit needed | - |
| City License | Downey business license required | - |
| Employees | - | Max 1 non-family |
| Signs | - | None except government-required |
| Character | - | Must remain residential |
| Health Dept | - | LA County DPH + CA DPH |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downey FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Downey 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.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?
Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Santa Clarita 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.
Compare other topics
See how Downey and Santa Clarita compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool