California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, AB 626) and the 2018 Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations law (MEHKO) allow limited home-based food businesses in San Francisco. SF has opted-in to MEHKO as of 2024, requiring a DPH permit for home kitchens selling meals.
California provides two paths for home-based food in SF. Cottage Food Operations (CFO) under H&S 114365 allow 'Class A' sales direct to consumers of low-risk shelf-stable foods (baked goods, jams, dried items) up to $150,000 gross annual revenue without a health inspection, only self-certification. 'Class B' CFOs (indirect sales through restaurants or retail) require a health inspection. SF DPH issues the CFO registration; a Home Occupation Use under Planning Code Section 204.1 is also needed. The Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) law (AB 626) allows home kitchens to prepare and sell up to 30 meals per day or 60 per week (max $100K/yr) of perishable foods to direct customers. SF opted into MEHKO in 2024, and permits are issued by DPH with kitchen inspection, food-handler cert, and neighbor notification required. Both programs prohibit separate signage, employees outside the household (aside from 1 MEHKO assistant), and retail walk-in sales.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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