Cottage Food Operations are governed by state law (AB 1616 as amended by AB 1240) and registered or permitted through Alameda County Environmental Health; Class A registers, Class B is permitted and inspected.
California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, as expanded by AB 1240) authorizes Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) statewide and preempts most local bans. In Alameda County, CFO registrations and permits are administered by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department. Class A CFOs, which sell only directly to consumers at the home or at events, register with the department and self-certify compliance. Class B CFOs, which also sell indirectly through retailers or restaurants, must obtain a permit and pass an on-site kitchen inspection. CFO gross annual sales are capped by statute (currently $150,000), and only foods on the state Approved Food List (non-potentially hazardous items such as breads, jams, candies, dry goods, and certain baked goods) may be produced. Operators must complete a California food processor training course within three months of registration, label products with required CFO disclosures, and follow state sanitation, allergen, and packaging rules. Local zoning as a home occupation also applies.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County noise ordinance (Chapter 6.60) sets detailed dB limits by zone and time. Residential nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): 45 dBA for 30+ min/hr, up to 65 d...
Alameda County, CA
Outdoor music in unincorporated Alameda County requires compliance with residential decibel limits and typically a temporary use or special event permit for ...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas allow leaf blowers during general construction/maintenance hours. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered lea...
Alameda County, CA
Unincorporated Alameda County regulates RV parking through zoning ordinance. 72-hour street limit applies. Specific requirements vary by PD and zoning district.
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County unincorporated areas require driveways to be paved, maintain clear sight lines, and not block sidewalks or public right-of-way. Encroachment p...
Alameda County, CA
Alameda County Zoning Code §17.52.430 limits fences to 4 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. A 2-foot limit applies within 30 fee...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle cottage food operations.
See how Sunol's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.