Home-Based Food Service
Since January 2019, a California law has allowed cities and counties to authorize Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) in their jurisdiction.
On September 24, 2024, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors approved a 2-year pilot program to permit Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs). A MEHKO is a small scale home-based food service operation limited to no more 30 meals a day, 90 meals a week, and $100,000 in gross annual sales (adjustable by the California Consumer Price Index).
A Health permit is required before you can operate a MEHKO in the State of California. The Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Division will begin accepting MEHKO applications starting January 1, 2025.
MEHKO Application Process
The MEHKO application is a two-step process.
Step 1: Home Evaluation.
Your home must be evaluated to ensure that it meets the minimum criteria for permitting in accordance with Santa Cruz County Code and California Retail Food Code. A Home Evaluation Checklist is available to help you determine what will be reviewed during the evaluation process. You must complete and submit a MEHKO Home Evaluation Request Form and Standard Operation Procedures to receive a home evaluation by an inspector. There is a fee of $470 for the home evaluation.
Step 2: Apply for a Health Permit.
- Once an inspector conducts a home evaluation and verifies that the home meets minimum criteria for permitting, you will need to apply for a Health Permit to operate your business. A Health permit is an agreement that you will comply with food safety regulations, Santa Cruz County Code, and that you will undergo yearly food safety inspection to demonstrate you are preparing food in a safe manner. Health permits are valid for one year and must be renewed prior to expiration.
- An inspector will set-up an appointment with you when you are preparing food to review your process sometime within your permit cycle.
- You must complete a Health Permit Application and pay a separate fee of $530.00 for a Health Permit.
Need help starting your home-based food business?
COOK Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing policy to allow home-based food service, is offering virtual training courses and up to $3,000 to program graduates to start a home-based food business. Visit their website to learn more and apply to be one of their 500 participants.
Share your thoughts on Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations
If you have any questions, feedback, or would like to receive MEHKO program updates, please email environmentalhealth@santacruzcountyca.gov.