Home-Based Food Businesses in Glendora

Home-based food businesses generally fall into one of two categories: Cottage Food Operations or Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations, also known as MEHKOs.

You may need a Cottage Food Operation if:
You want to prepare and sell approved packaged foods made in a private home kitchen, such as cookies, breads, jams, candy, or similar shelf-stable products.

You may need a MEHKO if:
You want to prepare, cook, and sell meals from a private home kitchen directly to customers.

Requirements vary based on the type of food, how it is prepared, how it is sold, and where the business operates. Applicants should review Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requirements before applying.

A Cottage Food Operation allows a resident to prepare and sell certain approved, low-risk food products from a private home kitchen. These are generally foods that do not require refrigeration for food safety and must be included on the California Department of Public Health approved cottage food list.

Common examples may include:

• Cookies
• Breads
• Cakes without cream or custard filling
• Jams and jellies
• Granola
• Candy
• Dried fruit
• Popcorn
• Certain approved packaged foods

Before applying, applicants should confirm that their food product is included on the California Department of Public Health approved cottage food list.

Class A and Class B Cottage Food Operations

Cottage Food Operations are separated into two categories:

Class A Cottage Food Operation

• Allows direct sales to customers only.
• Requires registration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
• Requires completion of a self-certification checklist.
• Does not typically require a routine home kitchen inspection before approval.

Class B Cottage Food Operation

• Allows direct sales to customers.
• May allow certain indirect sales through approved third parties.
• Requires a permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
• Requires a home kitchen inspection before the permit is issued.

Cottage Food Start-Up Checklist

Before operating, applicants should complete the applicable steps below:

1. Review the California Department of Public Health approved cottage food list.
2. Decide whether the business will operate as Class A or Class B.
3. Complete the required Cottage Food Operator training.
4. Prepare required product labels.
5. Apply for the appropriate Los Angeles County Public Health registration or permit.
6. Obtain a California seller’s permit, if applicable.
7. Apply for a City of Glendora business license.
8. Contact the City to confirm zoning and home occupation requirements.
9. Wait until all required approvals are complete before operating. 

A Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, or MEHKO, is a small-scale home kitchen food operation where meals are prepared in a private home kitchen and sold directly to customers.

A MEHKO is different from a Cottage Food Operation. Cottage Food Operations are generally for approved packaged, shelf-stable foods. MEHKOs are generally for prepared meals sold directly to customers.

MEHKO operations may include same-day food service, customer pickup, direct delivery, or onsite dining, subject to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requirements.

MEHKO Start-Up Checklist

Before operating, applicants should complete the applicable steps below:

1. Review Los Angeles County Department of Public Health MEHKO requirements.
2. Confirm that the proposed operation is allowed at the residence.
3. If renting, review the lease for any restrictions.
4. If located in an HOA, confirm whether a MEHKO is allowed.
5. Prepare required application materials, including the proposed menu and operating procedures.
6. Apply to Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
7. Complete County review and any required home kitchen inspection.
8. Obtain the County MEHKO permit before operating.
9. Apply for a City of Glendora business license.
10. Contact the City to confirm zoning, home occupation, parking, signage, and neighborhood impact requirements.
11. Wait until all required approvals are complete before operating.

A Los Angeles County health permit does not replace City requirements. Businesses operating in Glendora may also be required to obtain a City of Glendora business license and comply with applicable local standards.

City review may include:

Business license
Confirms the business is registered to operate in Glendora.

Zoning
Confirms whether the proposed use is allowed at the property.

Home occupation standards
Reviews whether the business is compatible with residential use.

Parking and traffic
Reviews whether the proposed operation may create neighborhood impacts.

Signage
Confirms whether signs are allowed and what standards may apply.

Building, fire, or safety review
May apply depending on the proposed operation.

Before operating, applicants should contact the City to confirm which local requirements apply to their proposed home-based food business.

Does the City of Glendora issue Cottage Food or MEHKO permits?
No. Cottage Food and MEHKO health permits are issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division. The City of Glendora may still require a business license and local review.

Do I need a City business license if I already have a County health permit?
Yes. A County health permit does not replace the City’s business license requirement. Businesses operating in Glendora may still need to obtain a City business license before operating.

What is the difference between a Cottage Food Operation and a MEHKO?
A Cottage Food Operation is generally for approved packaged, shelf-stable foods made in a private home kitchen. A MEHKO is generally for prepared meals made in a private home kitchen and sold directly to customers.

Can I sell food at public events or farmers markets with a MEHKO permit?
A MEHKO permit is not the same as a temporary event, mobile food, or farmers market permit. Applicants should contact Los Angeles County Public Health and the City before selling food at public events, farmers markets, or temporary locations.

Can customers come to my home?
MEHKOs may allow onsite dining, customer pickup, or direct delivery if approved by Los Angeles County Public Health. The City may also review local impacts such as parking, traffic, signage, and neighborhood compatibility.

What if I rent my home or live in an HOA?
Applicants should review their lease agreement, landlord requirements, and HOA rules before applying. These private rules may affect whether a home-based food business is allowed at the residence.

Can I start operating while my application is pending?
No. Applicants should wait until all required County and City approvals are complete before operating.

Who should I contact first if I am not sure which permit applies?
Applicants should contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to confirm whether their proposed food operation falls under Cottage Food, MEHKO, or another type of food permit.

Applicants may also contact the City to confirm local business license, zoning, and home occupation requirements.

Questions about Cottage Food Operation or MEHKO health permit requirements should be directed to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Division.

For City business license, zoning, home occupation, parking, signage, or local operating questions, please contact the City of Glendora.

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Seller’s Permit
To determine whether a seller’s permit may be required.