Cottage Food Operations: Irvine vs Mission Viejo
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Irvine, CA and Mission Viejo, CA?
Mission Viejo has fewer restrictions than Irvine.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine regulates cottage food operations under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 2-18 (Cottage Food Operator Permit) and California's Homemade Food Act. Class A and B operators must register or obtain permits from the OC Health Care Agency and obtain a city cottage food operator permit.
View full Irvine rules →Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 and AB 1266) allows Mission Viejo residents to produce and sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchens. Class A permits allow direct sales to consumers with annual revenue up to $75,000. Class B permits allow indirect sales through stores and restaurants. Registration is through the Orange County Health Care Agency. City business license is also required.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Mission Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| City Permit | Cottage Food Operator Permit | - |
| County Registration | OC Health Care Agency | - |
| Sales Cap | $75,000/year | - |
| Code Section | Zoning Ordinance Ch. 2-18 | - |
| Business License | Required | - |
| Class A | - | Direct sales only, self-certification |
| Class B | - | Direct and indirect sales, inspection required |
| Revenue Cap | - | $75,000 per year |
| Registration | - | OCHCA + City business license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Irvine?
Yes. You need a cottage food operator permit from the city (Zoning Ordinance Ch. 2-18), registration/permit from OC Health Care Agency, and a city business license.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operator?
Approved non-hazardous foods include baked goods, jams, dried fruits, granola, candy, and honey. Check the current approved list with OC Health Care Agency.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Mission Viejo?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food Law. Register as a Class A operator with the Orange County Health Care Agency for direct consumer sales, or obtain a Class B permit for sales to stores. You also need a Mission Viejo business license. Annual revenue is capped at $75,000.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operator?
Approved items include baked goods without cream fillings, candy, dried fruits, granola, honey, jams, nut butters, popcorn, roasted nuts, and spice mixes. Foods requiring refrigeration such as dairy-based products, meats, and custards are not permitted.
Does my HOA allow cottage food operations in Mission Viejo?
It depends on your community's CC&Rs. While California law preempts local ordinances that ban cottage food, HOAs may enforce rules about customer traffic, parking, signage, and visible business activities. Check with your HOA management company before starting operations.
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