Newport Beach, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Newport Beach residents may operate cottage food businesses from their home kitchens under the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 and AB 1271). Class A cottage food operations involve direct sales to consumers at the home, farmers markets, or community events and require self-certification with the Orange County Health Care Agency. Class B operations may sell indirectly through retail stores and require a registration with the Health Care Agency including a kitchen inspection. Allowed products include baked goods, jams, granola, dried fruits, candies, and other non-potentially-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. Home business zoning requirements under NBMC Title 20 also apply, meaning cottage food operations must not generate excessive traffic, noise, or commercial activity visible from the street. Signage is limited to a small nameplate. No employees other than household members may work in the operation. Products must be labeled with the cottage food operation name, registration number, ingredients, allergens, and the statement required by state law.