Cottage Food Operations: Menifee vs Riverside

Can I sell baked goods made in my Menifee home kitchen?

Yes — California Cottage Food Law (HSC §113758/§114365) authorizes home production of non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, granola, etc.). Register with Riverside County Environmental Health, get a Menifee business license, and comply with §9.255 home-occupation rules.

Can Menifee ban my cottage food business?

No. HSC §114365 makes a CFO a permitted residential use statewide, preempting local zoning bans. The city CAN regulate spillover impacts (traffic, signage, deliveries) under §9.255.

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.