Can I sell home-cooked meals in Alameda County?
Yes. Alameda County issues Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permits that let you cook and sell meals from your home kitchen. The permit fee is $696. You submit the county application with Standard Operating Procedures by mail or walk-in, then pass an inspection at your home. The county's limits are 30 meals a day, 90 a week and $100,000 a year in gross sales.
Key facts
- Permit fee
- $696 (paid with the application)
- Meal limits
- 30 a day, 90 a week
- Sales limit
- $100,000 a year (subject to adjustment)
- Application
- County MEHKO Application / Standard Operating Procedures
- Inspection
- Initial inspection at your home before the permit is issued
- Certification
- Food Protection Manager certificate for the operator
Step by step
- Write your menu and estimate your meals per day and per week.
- Get a Food Protection Manager certificate.
- Complete the county MEHKO application and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Mail or walk in the application with the $696 fee — the county won't process it until payment clears.
- Pass the initial inspection at your home.
- Receive your Permit to Operate, then register with your city.
Questions
How much does a MEHKO permit cost in Alameda County?
The Alameda County MEHKO permit fee is $696, paid when you submit the application.
How many meals can a MEHKO sell?
Alameda County allows up to 30 meals a day and 90 a week, with gross sales up to $100,000 a year. CDPH's general MEHKO page still shows older limits ($50,000 a year, 60 meals a week). Alameda County and the updated state statute use $100,000 (inflation-adjusted) and 90 meals a week. Regulatory OS uses the county numbers and has flagged this for review.
Can I run a MEHKO in Berkeley?
Berkeley has its own environmental health department and its own rules. Check with the City of Berkeley before preparing an application.
Official sources
- Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) — Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
- Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (state page) — California Department of Public Health
- Environmental Health fee schedule — Alameda County Department of Environmental Health
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.