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

Cottage food operations (CFOs) in San Bernardino County are regulated under the California Homemade Food Act (the cottage food law) and administered locally by County Environmental Health Services (EHS). The County's informational sheet states every CFO must be registered (Class A) or permitted (Class B) by EHS before starting business, and the registration or permit is nontransferable and valid only for the specified person, location, food type, and distribution activity. A CFO is operated by a cottage food operator and may have no more than one full-time-equivalent cottage food employee, not counting family or household members. The operation must be located within the registered or permitted area of the private home where the operator resides, and food must be prepared or packaged there. For residents in the unincorporated County (outside any incorporated city), the County requires approval from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement, and a Home Occupation Permit for the cottage food registration/permit is required. A Class A registration does not trigger a routine home inspection unless a complaint is received, while a Class B permit requires an inspector to verify the kitchen and storage areas before food preparation begins. After approval, operators must complete a food processor (food handler) course within 90 days as required by the California Department of Public Health; the certificate is valid three years and must be renewed. Applications and the self-certification checklist are filed at one of the three County EHS offices (San Bernardino, Hesperia, or Rancho Cucamonga) or by email.