How much is a cottage food permit in Alameda County?
Alameda County Environmental Health charges $190 for a Class A cottage food registration and $450 for a Class B permit (published county fees). You submit the application, self-certification, label samples and training proof by mail or walk-in to the county office at 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda. Berkeley runs its own health department, so Berkeley residents apply to the City of Berkeley instead.
Key facts
- Class A fee
- $190
- Class B fee
- $450
- How to submit
- By mail or walk-in, 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda CA 94502
- Renewal
- Annual — the documents are re-submitted with the renewal fee
- Not covered
- Berkeley (own environmental health department)
- City steps
- Oakland: zoning clearance and Business Tax Certificate
Step by step
- Complete the county CFO registration (Class A) or permit (Class B) application.
- Sign the self-certification checklist.
- Prepare one label sample for each category of product.
- If your label shows a business name instead of your own name, include proof of a business directory listing.
- If your water comes from a private well, include recent well water test results.
- Mail or walk in the packet with the fee, then complete your city business registration.
Questions
Where do I submit a cottage food application in Alameda County?
Alameda County Environmental Health accepts cottage food applications by US mail or walk-in at 1131 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda CA 94502.
Do I need an Oakland business license to sell cottage food?
Yes. Oakland requires zoning clearance for a home-based business and a Business Tax Certificate, in addition to the county cottage food registration or permit.
I live in Berkeley. Do I apply to Alameda County?
No. Berkeley has its own environmental health department, so Berkeley cottage food operators apply to the City of Berkeley.
Official sources
- Cottage Food Operations — forms and instructions — Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
- Environmental Health fee schedule — Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
- Cottage Food Operations — California Department of Public Health
- Business Tax Certificate and zoning clearance — City of Oakland
Last checked against official sources on . Regulatory OS explains official requirements and prepares applications; it is not a government agency and does not give legal advice. Agencies make all permit decisions.