Home Bakery (Cottage Food) Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home bakery (cottage food) in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $250–$450 est. 3–6 weeks
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or if you have employees. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their Social Security Number instead. Apply free online through the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate

State of California

2 stops

  1. California Cottage Food Operation Program (CDPH)

    California's Cottage Food Operation program is established under AB 1616 (California Homemade Food Act) and regulated by the California Department of Public Health. The actual registration and permitting occurs at the county level (San Diego County DEHQ). CDPH maintains the list of approved non-potentially-hazardous foods that may be produced in a home kitchen.

    Official government source

    No separate state fee — regulated at county levelN/A

  2. California Seller's Permit

    If selling taxable goods in California, register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller's permit. Cottage food sales may be subject to California sales tax depending on the product type and sale method. Registration is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of San Diego / San Diego County

3 stops

  1. San Diego County Cottage Food Operation — Class A Registration

    Class A operators sell directly to consumers only (no wholesale). Registration is issued by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ). The initial registration fee covers up to 10 product labels; additional labels beyond 10 are reviewed at the county's current hourly rate. An ANSI-accredited food handler course must be completed within 3 months. Annual direct-sales cap is approximately $86,206 (inflation-adjusted).

    Official government source

    $216 (initial registration, includes review of up to 10 labels); additional labels billed at current hourly rate2–4 weeks

  2. San Diego County Cottage Food Operation — Class B Permit (if wholesaling)

    Class B permits are required if you sell through retailers, restaurants, or other indirect channels in addition to direct sales. A home kitchen inspection is conducted by the county before permit issuance. Annual sales cap is approximately $172,411 (inflation-adjusted). Required only if you plan to sell wholesale.

    Official government source

    Contact San Diego County DEHQ for current Class B permit fee4–8 weeks (includes home kitchen inspection)

  3. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating within the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City Treasurer's Office. Home-based cottage food operations are included. The annual fee is based on the number of employees and gross receipts. Apply online through the city's business tax portal.

    Official government source

    $34–$125 (home-based sole proprietor with low revenue)1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $250–$450 · 3–6 weeks

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides