Cottage Food Operations: Escondido vs San Marcos
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Escondido, CA and San Marcos, CA?
San Marcos has fewer restrictions than Escondido.
Escondido, CA
San Diego County
CA Homemade Food Act applies. SD County DEH approval before city license. Kitchen only. Class A: $75K. Class B: $150K. One non-resident employee.
View full Escondido rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos residents may operate cottage food businesses from their home kitchens under California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 and AB 626). Class A operations sell directly to consumers and require registration with San Diego County. Class B operations may sell directly and through third-party retailers, requiring a county health permit. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Escondido | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| DEH | Required first | - |
| Class A | $75K/yr | Direct sales only; county registration required |
| Class B | $150K/yr | Direct + wholesale; county permit and inspection |
| Employees | 1 part-time | - |
| Location | Kitchen only | - |
| Sales Cap | - | $75,000 annual gross sales |
| Labeling | - | 'Made in a Home Kitchen' required on all products |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Escondido FAQ
Permit?
DEH approval + city business license.
Garage OK?
No. Kitchen only.
What to sell?
Baked goods, candies, jams, dried fruits per CA law.
San Marcos FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in San Marcos?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food Law. Register as a Class A operation with San Diego County for direct sales, or obtain a Class B permit to also sell through retail stores. Annual sales are capped at $75,000.
What foods can I make under the cottage food law?
Approved items include baked goods, candies, dried fruits, granola, jams, honey, and other shelf-stable products. Foods requiring refrigeration are not permitted. The county health department maintains the full list of approved items.
Do I need a San Marcos business license for a cottage food operation?
Yes. In addition to county cottage food registration or permit, you should obtain a city business license and verify that your home occupation permit accommodates cottage food production.
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