By outdoor-nature-child.com Los Angeles County has recently opened applications for “Home Kitchen” permits as of October 7, creating exciting opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to legally operate small restaurants from their homes. This initiative aims to help individuals pursue their dreams of starting their own food businesses.
Under the new Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) regulations, approved individuals can prepare, cook, and sell food directly from their residences, as long as they adhere to California’s Health and Safety Code. Those interested in applying can find the required forms on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website.
Eligible applicants can expect permits to be issued beginning November 1. Once licensed, they will be able to store, prepare, and sell food from their homes, tapping into a growing market for home-cooked meals. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sees home kitchens as crucial sources of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, especially for women, immigrants, and communities of color, given that these ventures typically have lower startup costs and high demand.
In May 2024, the Board approved the MEHKO program, which includes a $597 application fee and an annual health permit fee of $347 to cover inspections and enforcement. It’s important to note that annual sales are capped at $100,000, limiting sales to 30 portions per day, and a maximum of 90 portions per week.
To further assist new home kitchen operators, the county has established a $600,000 grant program that offers one-time subsidies to 1,000 eligible applicants, completely waiving the $597 application fee. To qualify, applicants must be first-time applicants with a net annual income of less than $50,000.
These regulations will affect home kitchens across the county. Cities like Long Beach and Pasadena, which have their own health departments, will need to comply with these countywide rules.
Additionally, the MEHKO program allows for the operation of up to two food trucks, increasing the daily meal limit to 80 and the weekly total to 200, with an annual sales cap of $150,000.
Los Angeles County Public Health will oversee the approval of home kitchen permits, conduct annual inspections, and manage complaint investigations.