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

A Cottage Food Operation (CFO) is defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 113758. The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), Food and Housing Division, permits and registers CFOs that comply with the requirements of AB-1616 (California's Cottage Food Law). For operators in the unincorporated County, DEHQ's zoning guidance states that a business license is not required at this time, but stamp approval from County Planning & Development Services Building Division is required; building permits are required for adding commercial equipment or a major kitchen remodel. Under the County Zoning Ordinance (Section 6156.m), a Cottage Food Operation must be conducted only within the dwelling that contains the kitchen and may not be located in a garage or other accessory building, and on-premise sale of goods is allowed only as permitted for a CFO under HSC Section 114365 with a valid County CFO permit. Class A operations (direct sales only) submit a self-inspection checklist and register; Class B operations (direct and indirect/retail sales) require a health permit and inspection. Operators must use a CDPH-approved cottage food product list, label products (including 'Made in a Home Kitchen'), and complete a food processor course within three months of registration. Under California law, a Class A CFO is capped at $75,000 and a Class B at $150,000 in verifiable gross annual sales (HSC 113758, as amended by AB-1144).