Cottage Food Operations: Jurupa Valley vs Riverside

Can Jurupa Valley ban a cottage food business at my home?

No. Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758 and Cal. Gov. Code §51035 preempt local zoning to require that CFOs be treated as a residential use. The City may still require its standard Home Occupation Permit under JVMC §9.240.570 and a Business Registration Certificate, but it cannot ban CFOs from residential zones or impose stricter operational rules than state law.

What permits do I need to start a cottage food business in Jurupa Valley?

Four things: (1) Register or get a permit from Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH) under the state CFO program — Class A registration or Class B permit; (2) complete a CDPH-approved food processor course within 3 months; (3) get a Home Occupation Permit from Jurupa Valley Community Development under JVMC §9.240.570; (4) get a Business Registration Certificate from the City.

What foods can I sell as a Jurupa Valley cottage food operator?

Only foods on the CDPH-approved cottage food list under Cal. H&S Code §114365.5 — non-potentially-hazardous foods like baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams and jellies from approved fruits, granola, candies, roasted coffee, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, and similar shelf-stable items. Meat, poultry, dairy products, and refrigerated foods are not allowed.

Can the City of Riverside ban or block a cottage food business at my home?

No. California Health & Safety Code §113758 and Government Code §51035 preempt local zoning to require that CFOs be treated as a residential use. The City may still require its standard Home Occupation Permit (RMC §19.485.020) and Business Tax Certificate, but it cannot ban CFOs from residential zones or impose stricter operational rules than state law.

What permits do I need to start a cottage food business in Riverside?

Four things: (1) Register or get a permit from the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health under the state CFO program (Class A registration or Class B permit); (2) complete a CDPH-approved food processor course within 3 months; (3) get a Home Occupation Permit from City of Riverside CEDD under RMC §19.485; (4) get a Business Tax Certificate from City of Riverside Finance.

What foods can I sell as a Riverside cottage food operator?

Only foods on the CDPH-approved cottage food list (Cal. H&S Code §114365.5) — non-potentially-hazardous foods like baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams and jellies from approved fruits, granola, candies, roasted coffee, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, and similar shelf-stable items. Meat, poultry, dairy products, and refrigerated foods are not allowed.