Bishop, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Cottage food operations in unincorporated Inyo County are regulated by the Inyo County Department of Environmental Health under California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, effective January 1, 2013), codified in the California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code §113758 and §114365). A cottage food operation may prepare and package certain non-potentially-hazardous foods in a home kitchen - items on the State Approved List that will not readily spoil at room temperature. Perishable items such as cream fillings, cream cheese, custard, cooked vegetables, cooked beans, or animal products are not allowed. There are two classes: a Class A operation may make direct sales only (to the consumer at farmers markets, farm stands, bake sales, and similar venues), while a Class B operation may make both direct and indirect sales (including to third-party retailers or food facilities) and requires a home-kitchen inspection, with a higher fee than Class A. Applicants must complete the County's Cottage Food Permit Application, provide proof of passing a food handler exam, submit a list of foods and recipes with ingredients, and supply packaging and a compliant label. Under state law, gross annual sales are capped (Class A and Class B have separate inflation-adjusted limits). Applications go to the Environmental Health Department at 1360 North Main Street, Ste 228, Bishop, or by email to InyoEHD@inyocounty.us.