Outdoor Cooking in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Smoker Rules
Santa Cruz County lets a permitted Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) cook on an outdoor barbecue, smoker, or wood-burning oven only with prior Department approval under SCCC § 7.150.050(F). The equipment must sit on a cleanable hard surface like concrete and run without creating a fire, safety, or food-safety hazard. The rule governs licensed home-kitchen food businesses, not casual backyard grilling.
Santa Cruz County MEHKO Outdoor Smoker Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 7.150.050(E)-(F)
(E) Outdoor food demonstration, preparation, or handling other than cooking or heating over a Department-approved barbecue, smoker, or wood-burning oven is prohibited. (F) A MEHKO may operate with an open-air barbecue, smoker, or outdoor wood-burning oven if approved by the Department. The barbecue, smoker, or wood-burning oven must be staged on a cleanable floor surface like concrete and be op...
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