Cottage Food Operations: Mead Valley vs Riverside
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mead Valley, CA and Riverside, CA?
Mead Valley has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
Mead Valley, CA
Riverside County
Riverside County follows the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / H&S §113758 et seq.) allowing Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) to produce non-potentially-hazardous foods at home. The County Environmental Health Department registers Class A operations and permits Class B. Riverside County also adopted the MEHKO program under AB 626.
View full Mead Valley rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) are governed by California Health & Safety Code §113758 (AB 1616 / AB 1144). In Riverside you need a state-required CFO Class A or B registration/permit from the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, a City of Riverside Home Occupation Permit, and a City Business Tax Certificate.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mead Valley | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Governing state statute | - | Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758 (AB 1616/AB 1144) |
| Class A annual sales cap | - | $75,000 |
| Class B annual sales cap | - | $150,000 |
| Max non-family employees | - | 1 full-time equivalent |
| County permit/registration | - | Riverside County Department of Environmental Health (RCDEH) |
| Local permits needed | - | City Home Occupation Permit + Business Tax Certificate |
| Required training | - | CDPH-approved food processor course within 3 months |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mead Valley FAQ
Riverside FAQ
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.
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