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

In unincorporated Siskiyou County, home-based food businesses operate as Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) under California's Homemade Food Act, administered locally by the Environmental Health Division and Community Development Department. Consistent with state law, the County notes a CFO may be established in any dwelling regardless of zoning, provided it complies with all applicable state laws. Before operating, a CFO must obtain a CFO permit from the Community Development Department, a water and sewer clearance from Environmental Health (if on private water/sewer, including a CFO Water System Permit), and an annual business license from the County Treasurer-Tax Collector. County fees are $45 for a Class A CFO permit, $105 for a Class B CFO permit, and a $76 county business license; applicants on private water may need a $50 bacteria test. Class A operations engage only in direct sales and are inspected only on complaint; Class B operations may also sell indirectly through retailers and are inspected before permit issuance and annually. Processing takes roughly 10 to 15 days for Class A and 15 to 30 days for Class B. Gross annual sales may not exceed $50,000. Only state-approved non-potentially-hazardous foods (breads, candy, jams, dried goods, certain confections, etc.) are allowed, products must be labeled 'Made in a Home Kitchen,' and operators must complete a CDPH food processor course within three months of permitting. In addition to the operator, one full-time-equivalent employee is allowed.