Cottage Food Operations: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code §113758, §114365, et seq., AB 1616 / AB 1144 / AB 1325 amendments) authorizes home-based production of approved low-risk foods. Hesperia must allow Class A and Class B Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) as a permitted home occupation; state law preempts local bans (HSC §113758).
View full Hesperia rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Cottage Food Operations are legal in Ontario under AB 1616 and AB 1240 MEHKO. Class A and B CFOs register or permit through San Bernardino County Environmental Health, with state annual sales caps.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| State Authority | Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758 et seq. | - |
| Registration | SB County Environmental Health Services | - |
| Class A | Direct sales (registration) | Direct sale, registration only |
| Class B | Indirect/wholesale (permit + inspection) | Indirect sale, permit required |
| Local Ban | Preempted — Hesperia must allow CFOs | - |
| State law | - | AB 1616 (H&S 113758) and AB 1240 |
| MEHKO | - | San Bernardino County opted in |
| Label required | - | Made in a Home Kitchen |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Can I sell home-baked goods from my Hesperia home?
Yes. California's Cottage Food Law (HSC §113758) allows it, and Hesperia cannot ban it. Register as a Class A or B CFO with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, get a Food Handler Card, and label products with 'Made in a Home Kitchen.'
What foods can a Cottage Food Operation in Hesperia sell?
Only approved low-risk shelf-stable foods on the CDPH list — baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams, jellies, dried foods, candy, roasted coffee. Perishables (meats, dairy, cream pies) require a commercial kitchen.
Ontario FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Ontario kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A or B Cottage Food Operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health, get a food handler card, and add the state-required home kitchen label.
Can I sell home-cooked meals under MEHKO?
Yes. San Bernardino County has adopted the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations program under AB 1240, allowing limited meal sales with a permit and inspection.
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