Cottage Food Operations: San Leandro vs Sunol
How do cottage food operations rules compare between San Leandro, CA and Sunol, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Sunol.
San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Cottage Food Operations are legal in San Leandro under AB 1616/AB 1240. Register with Alameda County Environmental Health. Class A and B sales allowed.
View full San Leandro rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Cottage Food Operations are governed by state law (AB 1616 as amended by AB 1240) and registered or permitted through Alameda County Environmental Health; Class A registers, Class B is permitted and inspected.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Leandro | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | AB 1616 / AB 1240 | - |
| Registration | Alameda County EH | - |
| Class A | Direct sales | Direct sales only; registration with Env. Health |
| Class B | Indirect + inspection | Indirect sales allowed; permit plus inspection |
| Revenue Cap | 150,000 dollars | - |
| State law | - | AB 1616 / AB 1240 California Homemade Food Act |
| Approved foods only | - | State Approved Food List (non-PHF) |
| Training | - | Food processor course within 3 months |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I sell homemade cookies from my San Leandro kitchen?
Yes. Register as a Class A Cottage Food Operation with Alameda County Environmental Health, then sell directly to consumers from home or at approved venues.
Do I still need a San Leandro business license for cottage food?
Yes. A city business license and Home Occupation Permit are required in addition to county CFO registration.
Sunol FAQ
Can Alameda County ban home-based food sales?
No. State law preempts most local bans; counties may only impose reasonable standards such as zoning consistency and complaint response.
What about hot meals?
Hot prepared meals fall under the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program under AB 626, which is separate from CFO.
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