California's Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code §113758 et seq.) governs Cottage Food Operations (CFOs). Class A CFOs (direct sales) self-certify with Butte County Environmental Health; Class B CFOs (indirect sales through retailers) require a county-issued permit and annual kitchen inspection. State law sets the gross-sales caps ($75,000 Class A, $150,000 Class B). Chico does not impose a separate ban — CFOs that meet state law are an allowed home occupation use under CMC 19.20.060.
Cottage food is defined in HSC §113758 and is limited to non-potentially-hazardous foods on the CDPH approved list (baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams/jellies, granola, dried teas, etc.). Butte County Environmental Health (BCEH) handles registration: Class A operators submit a Self-Certification Checklist and CFO Registration Application; Class B operators submit a permit application and undergo an initial and annual inspection. Email applications to BCEnvHealth@ButteCounty.net. State labeling requirements (HSC §114365.5) include the producer's name, address, registration/permit number, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the statement "Made in a Home Kitchen." The CFO operator may employ no more than one non-family employee. The City of Chico requires the CFO to also obtain a City business license and comply with CMC 19.20.060 home occupation standards (floor area, traffic, signage).
Operating a CFO without county registration/permit is a violation of HSC §114405 and may trigger cease-and-desist orders, fines, and embargo of products. City code enforcement can separately cite for missing business license or violation of home occupation standards.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chico, CA
Chico does not ban artificial turf and the City permits it as part of drought-tolerant landscapes. State law (AB 1572, Cal. Water Code §10608.14, eff. 2027) ...
Chico, CA
CMC §9.56.010 prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 10:00 PM (11:00 PM during Daylight Savings Time) and 5:00 AM unless accompani...
Chico, CA
CMC Chapter 9.54 (Aggressive and Deceptive Solicitation) bars solicitation at bus stops, in public transit vehicles, on public streets to occupied cars, with...
Chico, CA
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 19.23 regulates Mobile Food Vendors with a dedicated permit process covering applications, operating standards, and enforcement....
Chico, CA
City of Chico parks — including the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park — restrict drone operations under CMC Title 12R; advance written permission is required. CARD-man...
Chico, CA
Commercial drone work in Chico requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate; the city does not issue separate commercial UAS permits. Operations on city...
See how Chico's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.