Mono County, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Mono County Environmental Health administers California's Cottage Food Law for the unincorporated county. The County explains that the law 'allows individuals to prepare and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods that do not need refrigeration to stay safe and are unlikely to grow harmful bacteria,' and that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains the official approved-products list. Permitted items include breads and other baked goods without cream/custard/meat fillings, certain candies, dried and dehydrated foods, jams and jellies meeting federal standards, honey, nut butters, dry mixes, vinegars, and mustards — the County advises operators to 'stick to the approved recipes and ingredients.' Under state law (Health & Safety Code), there are two tiers: a Class A operation sells directly to consumers and must register with the local enforcement agency using an approved self-certification checklist; a Class B operation may also sell indirectly through retailers and must register AND obtain a permit issued only after an inspection verifies the home kitchen. State law caps verifiable gross annual sales (Class A and Class B have separate limits). Because cottage food is a recognized home enterprise, it operates alongside the County's home-occupation rules. Prospective operators should contact Mono County Environmental Health for registration/permit forms and fees.