Cottage Food Operations: Palm Springs vs Riverside
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Palm Springs, CA and Riverside, CA?
Palm Springs and Riverside have similar restriction levels.
Palm Springs, CA
Riverside County
California Cottage Food Operations (CFO) under Health & Safety Code §114365 are permitted in Palm Springs homes with Riverside County Department of Environmental Health registration or permit. Class A (direct sales, up to $150,000 gross) requires registration; Class B (indirect retail) requires a permit and inspection. Local zoning defers to the state law.
View full Palm Springs 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 | Palm Springs | 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.
Palm Springs 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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