Cottage Food Operations: Santa Paula vs Ventura
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Ventura, CA?
Santa Paula and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
California's Cottage Food Operation law (AB 1616/AB 1266) allows Santa Paula residents to sell homemade non-potentially-hazardous foods from their homes. Class A permits allow direct sales up to $75,000/year. Class B permits allow indirect sales through third-party retailers.
View full Santa Paula rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616 and AB 1271) allows home-based food production in Ventura. Class A operators sell directly to consumers with no permit required beyond registration. Class B operators may sell indirectly and need a county health permit. Annual sales caps apply.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Sales Limit | $75,000/year direct sales | - |
| Class B | Indirect sales through retailers | Indirect sales — county health permit required |
| Registration | Ventura County Environmental Health | - |
| Business License | Required from City of Santa Paula | - |
| State Law | CA H&S Code §§114365–114365.7 | - |
| Class A | - | Direct sales — registration only |
| Sales Cap | - | $75,000/year (Class B) |
| Labeling | - | 'Made in a Home Kitchen' required |
| Authority | - | Ventura County Environmental Health |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from home in Santa Paula?
Yes, under California's Cottage Food law. Register with Ventura County Environmental Health and obtain a Santa Paula business license. Class A allows direct sales up to $75,000/year.
What foods can I sell under cottage food?
Non-potentially-hazardous foods only: baked goods, candy, jams, dried fruits, granola, coffee, tea, honey, and similar items that don't require refrigeration.
Can I sell at the Santa Paula farmers' market?
Yes, Class A cottage food operators can sell at certified farmers' markets, community events, and directly from home.
Ventura FAQ
Can I sell homemade food in Ventura?
Yes. California's Cottage Food Law allows home-based food production. Class A operators sell directly to consumers with county registration. Class B operators need a county health permit for indirect sales.
What foods can I sell as cottage food?
Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, candy, granola, dried fruits, jams, and similar items. Perishable foods requiring refrigeration are generally not allowed.
Do I need a business license for cottage food?
Yes. In addition to Ventura County Environmental Health registration or permit, you need a City of Ventura business license.
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