Cottage food law & license in San Mateo County, CA
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Can I sell this in San Mateo County?
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What's new for California cottage bakers?
How do I start a cottage food business in San Mateo County?
How to start in San Mateo County
Permit, label, and local steps for selling under California cottage food rules in San Mateo County. Not legal advice.
CDPH does not register CFOs
CDPH does not permit or register Cottage Food Operations. Class A registration and Class B permits go through the county Environmental Health agency. CDPH only maintains the approved cottage foods list. Class A is direct sales only (up to $75,000 gross a year). Class B is direct plus indirect (up to $150,000). 2026 CPI-adjusted gross annual sales limits (effective January 1, 2026): Class A $88,878, Class B $177,756. Statutory bases: $75,000 / $150,000, adjusted annually for inflation (Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758).
Confirm your menu under state law
California cottage food rules control what you may make at home (Only foods on the official state-approved foods list may be sold; this includes most non-perishable foods such as baked goods, jams and preserves, candies, chocolates, dried goods, and spices. Class A operations are limited to direct sales (including online and shipping within California); Class B operations may additionally sell through retail stores and restaurants.). San Mateo County cannot expand a food the state bans.
Map channels and local sales rules
State sales cap: Tiered (see notes). On-site / porch pickup in San Mateo County: Yes. Prefer markets or off-site pickup if residential customer traffic is restricted.
Local permits, tax, and home occupation
Home occupation permit: Conditional. Many places still need a general business license or tax certificate even when the state has no cottage food “permit.” Check planning, the clerk, and any HOA or lease before advertising your address.
Training, registration, inspection
State registration: Not with CDPH. County Environmental Health registers Class A (direct) and permits Class B (direct plus indirect).. Local inspection in San Mateo County: Yes. Finish food handler training early — markets often ask for a copy.
Labels that match the state
Print labels with California disclaimer and allergen rules before market day. Use the free California label page for the one-pager checklist and mockup.
Insurance and first sales
Farmers markets often require a certificate of insurance. Soft-launch with pre-orders, keep a sales log, and re-verify rules if you change products or venues.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer: “Made in a Home Kitchen”
Planning checklist only. Confirm with state and local agencies before you sell.
Can I test myself on San Mateo County rules? (Crosodo Verified quiz)
Test yourself on San Mateo County rules
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Crosodo Verified means this person passed Crosodo's county rules quiz. It is not a government license, permit, or food-handler certification.
Take the Crosodo Verified quizHow do I verify San Mateo County cottage food rules with California agencies?
San Mateo County is a top-100 county by population in California (pop. 754,250). Under California's Good-tier cottage food law (sales cap: Tiered (see notes)), home bakers must still clear local zoning and health rules in this county. Registration path: County EH — not CDPH. Start with California Department of Public Health (state cottage food page linked below), then confirm San Mateo County health and planning requirements via the health department and planning / zoning links on this page. Local notes for San Mateo County: home kitchen allowed; inspection required; home occupation permit not required. San Mateo County is one of the most MEHKO-forward counties in California. After a 2-year pilot starting July 2021, the Board of Supervisors permanently authorized MEHKOs on September 12, 2023. MEHKO annual permit fee is $1,108 (effective November 2024; waived until October 2024 for pandemic relief). Application via MyEHS Portal (smchealth.org/myehs). MEHKO requires Food Safety Manager certification and food handler cards for all handlers. For CFO: separate pathway still available. State law prevents requiring home occupation permits for MEHKOs. Download the free reports below for a portable summary, and always re-check official sources before you sell.
What practical tips help me start selling in San Mateo County?
Tier: Good
California has a Good-tier cottage food law — solid baseline with moderate restrictions, typically a high sales cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers with reasonable scale plans.
California cottage food law →Health department
Many states delegate cottage food registration and inspection to the county health department. Contact theirs for the local process.
Home occupation rules
The county or city zoning code governs whether you can run a home-based food business — customer visits, signage, employees, floor area.
What are the San Mateo County zoning rules for a home bakery?
Home kitchen, inspection, and zoning rules for San Mateo County
State baseline: Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758 (Cottage Food Operations); Cal. Health & Safety Code §113825 (MEHKO)
- Home kitchen allowed
- Yes
- Restrictions
- Two pathways: (1) CFO Class A/B under §113758; (2) MEHKO under §113825 — San Mateo County has permanently authorized MEHKOs (ordinance approved September 12, 2023). MEHKO annual permit fee: $1,108 (effective November 2024). MEHKO: 30 meals/day, 60 meals/week, $100,000 annual cap, food must be prepared/cooked/served same day.
- Separate dedicated kitchen
- No
- Pet restrictions
- Standard sanitation; MEHKO requires food safety compliance
- Water supply
- Potable water; public municipal supply standard in most of the county
- Handwashing
- MEHKO: Food Safety Manager certification required + food handler card for all food handlers. CFO: food handler certificate required within 3 months.
- Food storage
- Standard per state approved foods list (CFO) or California Retail Food Code (MEHKO)
- Inspection required
- Yes
- Inspection trigger
- MEHKO requires initial inspection before permit issuance. CFO Class B requires initial inspection. Routine inspections may follow.
- Home occupation permit
- Conditional
- Permit details
- For MEHKO: state law prevents cities/counties from requiring separate home occupation permits for MEHKOs — only local health department permit required. For CFO: state GOV §51035 preempts local zoning restrictions. Check with specific city (Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, South San Francisco, etc.) for any supplemental CFO or business license requirements. MEHKO guidance says also check with city for additional requirements.
- Local business license
- Conditional
- On-site customer pickup
- Yes
- On-site signage
- Conditional
- Delivery / pickup
- CFO Class A: direct sales only ($75,000 cap). CFO Class B: direct + indirect ($150,000 cap). MEHKO: direct-to-consumer only (dine-in, take-out, delivery); cannot sell at farmers markets or to food facilities; $100,000 annual cap.
- Max employees in home
- 1 non-family/household full-time equivalent (both CFO and MEHKO)
- Relevant code section
- Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758 (CFO); §113825 (MEHKO); San Mateo County MEHKO Ordinance (September 12, 2023)
San Mateo County is one of the most MEHKO-forward counties in California. After a 2-year pilot starting July 2021, the Board of Supervisors permanently authorized MEHKOs on September 12, 2023. MEHKO annual permit fee is $1,108 (effective November 2024; waived until October 2024 for pandemic relief). Application via MyEHS Portal (smchealth.org/myehs). MEHKO requires Food Safety Manager certification and food handler cards for all handlers. For CFO: separate pathway still available. State law prevents requiring home occupation permits for MEHKOs.
What does the California cottage food statute say?
California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, amended AB 1144/AB 831)
Full California License & Permit Guide →Verbatim excerpt(a) "Cottage food operation" means an enterprise that has no more than the amount in gross annual sales that is specified in this subdivision, is operated by a cottage food operator, and has no more than one full-time equivalent cottage food employee, not including a family member or household member of the cottage food operator, within the registered or permitted area of a private home where the cottage food operator resides and where cottage food products are prepared or packaged for direct, indirect, or direct and indirect sale to consumers pursuant to this part. A "Class A" cottage food operation shall not have more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in verifiable gross annual sales. A "Class B" cottage food operation shall not have more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in verifiable gross annual sales. The gross annual sales for a "Class A" or "Class B" cottage food operation shall be annually adjusted for inflation based on the California Consumer Price Index. (1) A "Class A" cottage food operation, which is a cottage food operation that may engage only in direct sales of cottage food products from the cottage food operation or other direct sales venues. (2) A "Class B" cottage food operation, which is a cottage food operation that may engage in both direct sales and indirect sales of cottage food products from the cottage food operation, from direct sales venues, from offsite events, or from a third-party retail food facility. (3) "Cottage food products" means nonpotentially hazardous foods, including foods that are described in Section 114365.5 and that are prepared for sale in the kitchen of a cottage food operation. (4) "Direct sale" means a transaction within the state between a cottage food operation and a consumer, in which the consumer purchases the cottage food product directly from the cottage food operation. Direct sales include, but are not limited to, transactions at holiday bazaars or other temporary events, such as bake sales or food swaps, transactions at farm stands, certified farmers' markets, or through community-supported agriculture subscriptions.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=113758 →
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Buy the Report — $15 one timeSan Mateo County cottage food — FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell cottage food in San Mateo County, California?
County Environmental Health registers Class A / permits Class B — not CDPH. Local home-occupation permit: Conditional. Home kitchen: Yes. Confirm with San Mateo County EHS before you sell.
Class A vs Class B cottage food in San Mateo County?
Class B permit holders may sell indirectly through retail stores and restaurants statewide; Class A registrants are limited to direct sales only and may not sell through any retail or wholesale venue.
What is the cottage food permit fee in San Mateo County?
Crosodo has not verified a published cottage-food fee for San Mateo County. Ask San Mateo County EHS for the current Class A / Class B charge.
What is the sales cap for cottage food in California?
Caps 2026: Class A $88,878 / Class B $177,756. There is typically no separate county sales cap, but local permits can still limit operations.
Where do I apply for a cottage food permit in San Mateo County?
Apply via San Mateo County EHS (smchealth.org). Official link: https://www.smchealth.org. Crosodo is the checklist beside that filing site.
What foods can I sell under California cottage food law in San Mateo County?
Only foods on the official state-approved foods list may be sold; this includes most non-perishable foods such as baked goods, jams and preserves, candies, chocolates, dried goods, and spices. Class A operations are limited to direct sales (including online and shipping within California); Class B operations may additionally sell through retail stores and restaurants. County zoning does not expand the state product list — if a food is banned by California, it stays banned. Verify with the state agency before selling.
Is a health inspection required for home bakers in San Mateo County?
Inspection: Yes. Trigger: MEHKO requires initial inspection before permit issuance. CFO Class B requires initial inspection. Routine inspections may follow.. Non-TCS baked goods are often exempt from kitchen inspection under state cottage food law, but local rules can differ.
Cottage Pro · $15 one time
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Buy the Report — $15 one timeSan Mateo County cottage food reports
Home cottage-food permit stack — zoning, health, license, and what the state does not require.
Zoning, permits, health department rules, and local sources for San Mateo County.
Download county report
Full California License & Permit Guide (189 pages). Statute and every county. Buy it further down only if you sell outside San Mateo County.
California law pageFree email alerts
San Mateo County Cottage Food Updates
Local rule changes and news for home bakers in San Mateo County, with California statewide updates below the county news in every email. Every story links to its source.
What sources is this San Mateo County page based on?
Where to verify San Mateo County rules
San Mateo County vs. bordering counties
| Regulation | San Mateo County This county | San Francisco County | Santa Cruz County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home kitchen allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Separate dedicated kitchen | No | No | No |
| Pets allowed | Standard sanitation; MEHKO requires food safety compliance | Standard sanitation; not specifically addressed | Not specified by county; state law requires sanitary food preparation area |
| Inspection required | Yes | Conditional | Conditional |
| On-site customer pickup | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-site signage | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional |
| Delivery / pickup | CFO Class A: direct sales only ($75,000 cap). CFO Class B: direct + indirect ($150,000 cap). MEHKO: direct-to-consumer only (dine-in, take-… | Class A: direct sales only (in person, phone, internet; mail/third-party delivery permitted within California). Class B: direct plus indire… | Class A: direct sales only (including online with local delivery/pickup or shipping within CA). Class B: direct + indirect sales (wholesale… |
| Home occupation permit | Conditional | Yes | Conditional |
| Local business license | Conditional | Yes | Yes |
| Restrictions | Two pathways: (1) CFO Class A/B under §113758; (2) MEHKO under §113825 — San Mateo County has permanently authorized MEHKOs (ordinance appr… | San Francisco is a consolidated city-county. CFO permits are administered by the SF Department of Public Health (SFDPH). Class A (direct sa… | Class A (direct sales, cap ~$86,206/year) or Class B (direct+indirect, cap ~$172,411/year). Must register with Santa Cruz County Environmen… |
| Food storage | Standard per state approved foods list (CFO) or California Retail Food Code (MEHKO) | Standard food storage per state approved foods list | Non-TCS shelf-stable foods on CDPH approved list only; no refrigerated products |
| Population | 754,250 | 851,036 | 268,571 |
What other California counties can I compare?
Other California counties
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
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Is this San Mateo County page legal advice?
Cottage food law and municipal zoning interact in non-obvious ways. Before investing in equipment or marketing, talk to California's department of agriculture, your local health department, and your county or city's planning office. Crosodo is a clothing brand for cottage bakers, not a law firm.
Where can I talk with other San Mateo County bakers?
San Mateo County baker discussion
53 public threads from bakers talking about San Mateo County — permits, zoning, markets, and what's selling. Read along or sign in to post.
Local bakers discuss zoning, permits, top sellers, sourdough, farmers markets, and more in the Crosodo forum.
Can I sell cottage food from home in San Mateo County? (short answer)
What are the steps to my first legal sale in San Mateo County?
Steps to your first legal sale
- Which permit you need — local names like HBB, MHO, CFO Class A
- Zoning / home occupation: where you file
- Local health Class A/B path when the county runs itIn Cottage Pro
- Fee schedule — published amount only, blank if noneIn Cottage Pro
- House pickup vs off-site — what zoning already saysIn Cottage Pro
Steps 1–2 are free on this page. Cottage Pro is the full apply checklist, every county report, and the dashboard workspace.
What should I know about San Mateo County at a glance?
File with San Mateo County — Crosodo is the checklist beside this site.
Apply via San Mateo County EHS(smchealth.org)How does the Crosodo ladder work in San Mateo County? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
California
San Mateo County
- Nothing to file
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
California
San Mateo County
- Check with San Mateo County business license office
- Check with San Mateo County zoning office about home pickup
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
California
- Selling to stores: check with California Department of Public Health
San Mateo County
- Check with San Mateo County zoning office about an inspected home kitchen
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
California
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with California Department of Public Health
San Mateo County
- Check with San Mateo County zoning and building offices
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
California · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with California Department of Public Health.
California · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with California Department of Public Health.
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