Apple Valley, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

The Town of Apple Valley handles Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) on the same application as its Home Occupation Permit, with the same $114 processing fee. The Town's CFO standards cite Assembly Bill 1616, the California Cottage Food Act, which allows limited preparation and distribution of low-risk, non-potentially hazardous foods from a private home - examples include baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings; candies such as brittle and toffee; honey; jams, jellies, and preserves; and nut mixes and nut butters. Labeling and packaging must meet County regulations, and all CFOs must obtain either a valid health permit or a registration from the County Division of Environmental Health Services, depending on whether the operation is Class A or Class B. Under state law (Health and Safety Code 113758), a Class A CFO may not exceed $75,000 in gross annual sales and a Class B may not exceed $150,000. Foods may be sold in person at the CFO; with an additional temporary food facility permit they may be sold at approved temporary events or certified farmers markets, and Class B foods may also be sold through other permitted food facilities. The Town applies its home-occupation standards (no external evidence, residential character, limited traffic) on top of the state CFO rules.