Cottage Food Operations: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma

Can my city ban cottage food sales from my home?

No. Health and Safety Code 114365 expressly preempts local bans on cottage food operations. Cities may impose only reasonable, non-discriminatory zoning standards equivalent to other residential uses.

What foods can I sell as cottage food?

Only non-potentially-hazardous foods on the CDPH approved list, such as baked goods without cream fillings, jams, granola, and dry mixes. Refrigerated and meat products are prohibited.

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.