Mountain View vs Palo Alto
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Palo Alto, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Palo Alto.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View follows the California Homemade Food Act allowing Cottage Food Operations at home. State law sets product, revenue, and registration rules.
View full Mountain View rules →Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
California's Cottage Food law (AB 1616 as amended by AB 1240 and AB 1144) allows home-based preparation and sale of approved low-risk foods. Palo Alto operators must register with Santa Clara County Environmental Health.
View full Palo Alto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Palo Alto |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CA Homemade Food Act | - |
| Classes | A direct, B indirect | - |
| Revenue cap | Around 150,000 dollars | - |
| Registration | SCC Environmental Health | - |
| Employees | One non-household | - |
| Authorizing law | - | CA Cottage Food Act |
| County contact | - | Santa Clara County DEH |
| Class A | - | Registration, direct sales only |
| Class B | - | Permit and inspection for wholesale |
| Labeling | - | Name, reg number, ingredients |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I sell homemade pies from my Mountain View home?
Yes, as a Class A Cottage Food Operation registered with Santa Clara County Environmental Health, selling directly to consumers with proper labeling.
What foods cannot be sold under cottage food?
Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration, meats, seafood, and most wet-pack items are excluded. Only the state CFO approved list qualifies.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I sell cookies from my Palo Alto kitchen?
Yes, as a Class A CFO with Santa Clara County registration. Follow labeling rules and stay within the sales cap.
Can I sell hot meals or refrigerated items?
No. Cottage Food only covers shelf-stable low-risk foods. Hot meals require a commercial kitchen or Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation permit where authorized.
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