Mission Viejo vs Orange
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mission Viejo, CA and Orange, CA?
Mission Viejo and Orange have similar restriction levels.
Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 and AB 1266) allows Mission Viejo residents to produce and sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchens. Class A permits allow direct sales to consumers with annual revenue up to $75,000. Class B permits allow indirect sales through stores and restaurants. Registration is through the Orange County Health Care Agency. City business license is also required.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Orange, CA
Orange County
California's Cottage Food Act (AB 1616) allows residents in Orange to prepare and sell approved non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchen. Class A operations sell directly to consumers; Class B operations may sell to stores and require an OC Health permit.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mission Viejo | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Direct sales only, self-certification | - |
| Class B | Direct and indirect sales, inspection required | Requires OC Health permit |
| Revenue Cap | $75,000 per year | - |
| Registration | OCHCA + City business license | - |
| Class A Cap | - | $75,000 annual sales |
| Business License | - | Required from City of Orange |
| State Law | - | H&S Code §113758 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Mission Viejo?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food Law. Register as a Class A operator with the Orange County Health Care Agency for direct consumer sales, or obtain a Class B permit for sales to stores. You also need a Mission Viejo business license. Annual revenue is capped at $75,000.
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operator?
Approved items include baked goods without cream fillings, candy, dried fruits, granola, honey, jams, nut butters, popcorn, roasted nuts, and spice mixes. Foods requiring refrigeration such as dairy-based products, meats, and custards are not permitted.
Does my HOA allow cottage food operations in Mission Viejo?
It depends on your community's CC&Rs. While California law preempts local ordinances that ban cottage food, HOAs may enforce rules about customer traffic, parking, signage, and visible business activities. Check with your HOA management company before starting operations.
Orange FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Orange?
Yes. Under California's Cottage Food Act, you can sell approved non-hazardous foods. Class A requires self-certification; Class B (to stores) requires an OC Health permit.
Do I need a business license for cottage food in Orange?
Yes. A City of Orange business license is required in addition to the appropriate cottage food registration or permit from OC Environmental Health.
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