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) PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF 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) PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF PDF 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 | Annual registration fee Submit a copy of a product label Submit a copy of Food Handler Certificate within three months of registration (in lieu of the Food Processor Course) CFO Registration Class A (PDF) Planning Department Authorization Form (PDF) | Annual permit fee Submit a copy of a product label Submit a copy of Food Handler Certificate within three months of registration (in lieu of the Food Processor Course) CFO Permit Application Class B (PDF) Planning Department Authorization Form (PDF) |
| 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
- CFO Planning Department Authorization Form (PDF)
- CFO Registration Class A (PDF)
- CFO Permit Application Class B (PDF)
- CFO Guidelines (PDF)
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
- California Department of Public Health - Cottage Food
- AB1616 - Cottage Food Law (PDF) PDF
See the Napa County CFO Zoning Ordinance (for unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Napa, American Canyon, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga only).