Cottage Food Operations: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Homemade Food Operations Act (Health & Safety Code §113758 and §114365) and the Cottage Food Law preempt most local zoning of cottage food operations (CFOs). Class A CFOs (direct sales) and Class B CFOs (direct + indirect sales) may operate from a private home in any residential zone, including Rialto, subject to San Bernardino County Department of Public Health registration / permit. Rialto cannot prohibit a CFO but may require a home-occupation permit and business license under RMC Title 5 and Title 18.
View full Rialto rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
California AB 1616 and AB 1240 authorize cottage food operations from home kitchens. San Bernardino operators must register with County Environmental Health and follow state product, label, and sales rules.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| State statute | Cal. Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365 | - |
| Class A CFO cap | $75,000 gross sales / year (indexed) | - |
| Class B CFO cap | $150,000 gross sales / year (indexed) | - |
| Permitting agency | San Bernardino County Department of Public Health | - |
| Local preemption | City cannot prohibit; may regulate as home occupation | - |
| State authority | - | CA Homemade Food Act AB 1616 and AB 1240 |
| Class A | - | Direct sales only, self-registration and food handler course |
| Class B | - | Indirect sales allowed, annual home-kitchen inspection |
| Revenue caps | - | 75,000 dollars Class A and 150,000 dollars Class B |
| Labeling | - | Must disclose home kitchen and allergens per state rule |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto FAQ
Can Rialto stop me from running a cottage-food bakery from my home?
No. Cal. Health & Safety Code §114365 expressly forbids local prohibition of CFOs in residences. Rialto may require a business license and home-occupation clearance, but cannot ban the use itself.
Where do I register a Class A CFO in Rialto?
Through the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Services. Class A operations require registration; Class B operations require a permit and annual inspection.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my San Bernardino home?
Yes, register as a Class A or B cottage food operation with San Bernardino County Environmental Health and follow the state approved food list and labeling rules.
Can I sell my homemade salsa or canned tomatoes?
Only low-acid or properly acidified items on the approved list qualify; most home-canned vegetables are not allowed due to botulism risk.
Can I advertise my cottage food business with a yard sign?
No. State law allows the operation, but San Bernardino home occupation signage rules still prohibit exterior business signs.
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