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

Cottage food operations are expressly permitted in unincorporated Calaveras County. Zoning Code Section 17.25.140(D) allows a cottage food operation, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 113758, as a home occupation and accessory use to any legally established residential unit. The operation must register with the State as a 'Class A' or 'Class B' cottage food operation and meet the health-and-safety standards in Health and Safety Code Section 114365 et seq. Only the operator, household members, and one full-time-equivalent cottage food employee may participate, and kitchen equipment must not change the residential character of the unit or create smoke or steam noticeable at the lot line. Registration and permitting are handled locally by the Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency. Per the County's Cottage Food Operation application, a 'Class A' (direct sales only) is a registration carrying a $109 fee, while a 'Class B' (direct and indirect sales) is a permit carrying a $223 fee; Class A homes are inspected only on a complaint, while Class B homes receive initial and annual inspections. Applicants must complete the California Department of Public Health food processor course. State law (HSC 113758) limits cottage food products to non-potentially hazardous 'cottage food products' and sets the verifiable gross-annual-sales caps (currently $75,000 for Class A and $150,000 for Class B, adjusted for inflation). Confirm current fees and forms with the Environmental Management Agency.