Cottage Food Operations: Elk Grove vs Isleton
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Elk Grove, CA and Isleton, CA?
Elk Grove has fewer restrictions than Isleton.
Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento County
Elk Grove residents can operate a Cottage Food Operation under California's AB 1616 (CalCode §113758). Sacramento County Environmental Management registers or permits CFOs, allowing approved low-risk foods made at home. AB 1240 (2021) raised the annual gross sales cap to $150,000.
View full Elk Grove rules →Isleton, CA
Sacramento County
Cottage food operations are allowed as a home occupation in unincorporated Sacramento County under Zoning Code Section 3.9.3.F, with only one employee/partner reporting to the residence. The County Environmental Management Department registers Class A and permits Class B operations under California's Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code 113758).
View full Isleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elk Grove | Isleton |
|---|---|---|
| State law | AB 1616 / AB 1240 | CA Homemade Food Act, HSC 113758 (AB 1616) |
| Sales cap | $150,000/yr | - |
| Classes | A (direct), B (indirect) | - |
| County agency | Sac Env. Management | - |
| Label | Made in Home Kitchen | - |
| Zoning basis | - | Home occupation, Zoning Code 3.9.3.F |
| On-site staff | - | One employee or partner may report to the residence |
| Class A (direct sales) | - | Registration; fee $297; sales cap $75,000 (state law) |
| Class B (direct + indirect) | - | Permit + home inspection; fee $513; sales cap $150,000 (state law) |
| Regulator | - | County Environmental Management Dept (EMD) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elk Grove FAQ
Can I sell home-made cheesecake under Cottage Food?
No. Dairy-based cheesecake is potentially hazardous and not on the approved CFO list.
Do I need a permit to sell jam from my Elk Grove kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A CFO with Sacramento County and obtain a city business tax certificate and Home Occupation Permit.
Isleton FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my house in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. Cottage food operations are allowed as a home occupation under Zoning Code Section 3.9.3.F, with only one employee or partner reporting to the residence. You must register (Class A) or get a permit (Class B) from the County Environmental Management Department, and obtain a County business license. The kitchen must be residential and you must follow EMD conditions.
What's the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class A operations sell only directly to consumers and require registration with no routine home inspection (County fee $297). Class B operations may also sell indirectly through permitted retailers and require a permit with a home inspection (County fee $513). Under California law, Class A is capped at $75,000 and Class B at $150,000 in gross annual sales.
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