Cottage Food Operations: Fontana vs Rialto
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rialto has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana residents can run a Cottage Food Operation under AB 1616 after registering with San Bernardino County Environmental Health. AB 1240 allows microenterprise home kitchens serving full meals.
View full Fontana 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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Permit authority | San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services | - |
| CFO classes | Class A direct sales; Class B wholesale with inspection | - |
| CFO annual cap | 75,000 dollars gross sales, inflation adjusted | - |
| Approved foods | CDPH low-risk list - baked goods, jams, dried items, candy | - |
| MEHKO option | Up to 90 meals per week, 100,000 dollars annual under AB 1240 | - |
| 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) |
| Permitting agency | - | San Bernardino County Department of Public Health |
| Local preemption | - | City cannot prohibit; may regulate as home occupation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I sell home-baked cookies from my Fontana kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, obtain a Fontana business license, and label products per CDPH rules.
Can I cook full meals at home and sell them?
Yes through a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit (AB 1240) - San Bernardino County has opted in, with limits of 90 meals per week and 100,000 dollars annually.
Do CFO sales have a dollar cap?
Yes. California caps CFO gross sales at 75,000 dollars per year, adjusted periodically for inflation; MEHKO has a separate 100,000 dollar cap.
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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