Cottage Food Operations: Lodi vs Tracy
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Lodi, CA and Tracy, CA?
Lodi and Tracy have similar restriction levels.
Lodi, CA
San Joaquin County
Lodi residents may operate a Cottage Food Operation under California's state Cottage Food law (Health & Safety Code §§113758-114365.5), registered through San Joaquin County Environmental Health. Lodi follows state law allowing CFOs as a permitted use in residential zones without local zoning approval.
View full Lodi rules →Tracy, CA
San Joaquin County
California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 Gutierrez, Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365-114365.5) allows residents of San Joaquin County to sell approved shelf-stable foods (baked goods, jams, granola, dried herbs) from a home kitchen. A Class A permit allows direct sales and is registered through San Joaquin County Environmental Health. Class B adds indirect (retail/restaurant) sales with kitchen inspection. Annual revenue cap: $150,000 (2022 increase).
View full Tracy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lodi | Tracy |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Cal. H&S §113758 et seq. | HSC §113758 / §114365 |
| Registration | San Joaquin County Environmental Health | - |
| Sales Cap | $50,000/year | - |
| MEHKO in Lodi | Not currently allowed (SJ County) | - |
| Revenue Cap | - | $150,000/year |
| Class A Fee | - | ~$75-$125/year |
| Class B Fee | - | ~$200-$300 |
| MEHKO | - | Not adopted in SJ yet |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lodi FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Lodi kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A or Class B Cottage Food Operation with San Joaquin County Environmental Health and follow the state-approved foods list, capped at $50,000/year gross sales.
Can I run a home restaurant (MEHKO) in Lodi?
Not currently. MEHKO is only available in counties that have opted in under AB 626, and San Joaquin County has not opted in as of 2026.
Tracy FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my Stockton home?
Yes. Register a Class A Cottage Food Operation with San Joaquin County Environmental Health ($75-$125), get a Stockton business tax certificate (~$90/year), and label properly. Direct sales at farmers markets, home pickup, and local delivery are allowed up to $150,000/year gross.
Can I run a home restaurant in unincorporated SJ County?
Not yet. AB 1325 authorized MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations) home restaurants where counties opt in. San Joaquin County's Board of Supervisors has not adopted MEHKO, so home restaurants selling hot meals remain prohibited. Cottage food (shelf-stable only) is permitted.
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