Cottage Food Operations: Petaluma vs Sonoma

Can I bake and sell food from my home in unincorporated Sonoma County?

Yes, with a cottage food registration or permit from Sonoma County Environmental Health. Class A covers direct-to-consumer sales; Class B also allows indirect sales through shops, restaurants, and other third-party sellers.

Can Sonoma County ban my cottage food operation for zoning reasons?

No. Government Code Section 51035 prohibits counties from banning cottage food operations in residential dwellings, though reasonable standards for traffic, parking, noise, and spacing may still apply.

Can the City of Sonoma stop me from baking cookies for sale in my home kitchen?

No. California Health & Safety Code §114365 preempts local prohibition: a compliant cottage food operation must be allowed in any residential zone. The City can still enforce its general home-occupation standards (signage, traffic, employees) under SMC §19.50.040, but cannot ban CFOs outright.

What's the difference between Class A and Class B in Sonoma County?

Class A is a registration (no inspection) capped at $75,000/year and limited to direct sales (from home, farmers markets, community events). Class B is a permit with annual inspection capped at $150,000/year and allows indirect sales through retailers and restaurants. Both are issued by Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Can I sell cheesecake or meat pies under the cottage food law?

No. The CDPH-approved list under HSC §114365.5 covers only non-potentially-hazardous foods. Cheesecake (cream filling), meat products, and any food requiring refrigeration are excluded; those require a commercial kitchen or a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit, which Sonoma County does not currently offer under a local opt-in.