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

Placer County Environmental Health administers the cottage food program for the unincorporated county. Per the County's Cottage Foods page, certain low-risk foods such as baked goods, jams and candy may be prepared in a home kitchen, and Cottage Food Operations (CFO) must be registered or permitted through Placer County Environmental Health (Auburn Administrative office, 530-886-1870). The County follows California's Cottage Food Operations law under Health and Safety Code Section 113758 (enacted by AB 1616 and later amended). State law defines two classes: a Class A CFO may engage only in direct sales to consumers (e.g., at the operation, farmers markets, and other direct-sale venues) and registers with the local environmental health agency; a Class B CFO may engage in both direct and indirect sales (through third-party retailers such as restaurants and markets) and requires a permit including an inspection. Under HSC 113758, a Class A CFO may not exceed $75,000 and a Class B CFO may not exceed $150,000 in verifiable gross annual sales (amounts adjusted for inflation), and a CFO may have no more than one full-time-equivalent employee who is not a family or household member. Operators must use the CDPH-approved cottage foods list and complete required food processor training.