Cottage Food Operations: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
California Government Code §51035 requires Lincoln to allow Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) in residential dwellings. Lincoln treats CFOs as home occupations under LMC §18.62, requiring a Home Based Occupation permit plus a Class A or Class B registration with Placer County Environmental Health.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin has no local cottage food ordinance. Home-based food businesses are governed by the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, codified at California Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365, 114365.5 et seq.) and registered or permitted through the Placer County Environmental Health Division. Class A operations (direct sales only) are capped at $75,000 in gross annual sales; Class B operations (direct plus indirect retail) are capped at $150,000. Operators must use the home's kitchen, may employ one non-household full-time-equivalent employee, and must complete an approved food processor course.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | Gov. Code §51035 — cities MUST allow CFOs in homes | - |
| Class A sales cap | $75,000/year (HSC §113758) | - |
| Class B sales cap | $150,000/year (HSC §113758) | - |
| City requirement | Home Based Occupation permit under LMC §18.62 | - |
| County requirement | Placer County Environmental Health CFO registration/permit | - |
| Employees | 1 FTE non-family employee max | - |
| State statute | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758, §114365, §114365.5 (AB 1616) |
| Class A revenue cap | - | $75,000 gross annual sales |
| Class B revenue cap | - | $150,000 gross annual sales |
| Registering agency | - | Placer County Environmental Health Division |
| City permits also required | - | Rocklin Home Business Permit + Business License |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my Lincoln home?
Yes. California Gov. Code §51035 requires Lincoln to allow cottage food operations in residential homes. You need a city Home Based Occupation permit under LMC §18.62 plus a Class A or Class B cottage food registration with Placer County Environmental Health.
What can I sell as a Lincoln cottage food operator?
Only foods on the CDPH cottage food list — non-potentially hazardous items such as baked goods, jams, dried fruits, granola, candies, and roasted coffee. Items requiring refrigeration are not allowed (HSC §113758).
What is the difference between Class A and Class B?
Class A sells direct to consumers only and self-certifies its kitchen ($75K cap). Class B can sell indirectly through retailers and requires a Placer County kitchen inspection ($150K cap).
Rocklin FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my Rocklin home kitchen?
Yes, under California's Homemade Food Act. You must register your operation with Placer County Environmental Health as a Class A or Class B cottage food operation, complete an approved food processor course, label products correctly, and also obtain a Rocklin Home Business Permit and City Business License.
Do I need a commercial kitchen?
No. Cottage food law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758) explicitly authorizes preparation in the operator's home kitchen for approved non-potentially-hazardous foods, within the gross-sales caps.
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