Cottage Food Operations

As of January 1, 2013, State law was changed to allow private homes to be used for the preparation and packaging of some food products for sale to consumers under certain conditions.

Qualifying as a Cottage Food Operator

The following is an overview of the requirements. For the complete text of the law, please view California State Assembly Bill 1616.

Criteria
Class A
Class B
Cottage Food
  • Sold directly from Cottage Food Operation (CFO) to Consumer
  • Sold directly from CFO to Retail Food Facilities (e.g., markets, bakeries), and, optionally:
  • Sold directly from CFO to Consumer
Approved Foods
Baked goods such as cakes (without cream), cookies, bread, scones, candies, nuts, granola, etc. (see California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Foods list (PDF) for complete list)
Baked goods such as cakes (without cream), cookies, bread, scones, candies, nuts, granola, etc. (see California Department of Public Health Approved Cottage Foods list (PDF) for complete list)
Gross Sales Limit
  • $35,000 or less in gross sales in 2013
  • $45,000 or less in gross sales in 2014
  • $50,000 or less in gross sales in 2015 and beyond
  • $35,000 or less in gross sales in 2013
  • $45,000 or less in gross sales in 2014
  • $50,000 or less in gross sales in 2015 and beyond
Application and Fees
Inspections
  • Consumer Complaint Inspections
  • Consumer Complaint Inspections
  • Annual Routine Inspection
An initial/routine inspection of a Class B CFO must be performed in order to obtain a permit to operate.


Current Documents

Application Forms

For additional information about the Cottage Food Program, please contact the Napa County Environmental Health Division.

Additional Requirements

Contact your local city and county planning agencies and finance departments regarding Use Permits and Business Licenses. For a CFO operating in a residence located only in unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga, contact:

  • Terri Abraham
  • Napa County Planning, Building and Environmental Services Department
    1195 Third Street
    Suite 201
    Napa, CA 94559
  • Phone: 707-299-1331
  • Email Terri Abraham

Links

See the Napa County CFO Zoning Ordinance (for unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga only).