San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do cottage food operations rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose and Sunnyvale have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose residents can operate a cottage food business under California Health & Safety Code §114365 (the Homemade Food Act). Class A operations (direct sales only) and Class B (indirect sales through retailers) both require registration with Santa Clara County Environmental Health and produce only approved non-potentially-hazardous foods.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
California AB 1616 and AB 1240 allow home-based Cottage Food Operations in Sunnyvale. Class A permits direct sales up to 75000 dollars. Class B allows indirect sales through retail with additional inspections.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| State law | - | AB 1616 and AB 1240 |
| Class A sales cap | - | 75000 dollars per year |
| Class B inspections | - | Required annually |
| County permit | - | Santa Clara County Environmental Health |
| City requirement | - | Home occupation permit plus business license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I sell homemade tamales under cottage food in Sunnyvale?
Tamales are not on the approved cottage food list because they contain potentially hazardous ingredients. Consider the MEHKO program under AB 626 instead.
Do I need a business license from Sunnyvale too?
Yes, in addition to the county cottage food registration you need a Sunnyvale business license and a home occupation permit.
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