Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations
(MEHKO)

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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 began accepting MEHKO applications January 1, 2025. The pilot program will be reassessed by the Board before determining if the ordiance will continue after December 31, 2026. This topic will be brough forth to the Board during the October 20, 2026 meeting. For more information about how to participate in this Board meeting please refer to the County's Public Participation Guidelines. 

MEHKO Application Process

The MEHKO application is a two-step process.

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.

All MEHKO application fees and documents must be submitted to: 
County of Santa Cruz 
Health Services Agency
Environmental Health 
701 Ocean St., Room 312 
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Checks must be payable to: County of Santa Cruz

  • 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.

COOK Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing policy to allow home-based food service, is offering virtual training courses on starting a home-based business. Visit their website to learn more.

Any material promoting these businesses must indicate the County Issuing the permit, the permit number and the disclaimer "Made in a Home Kitchen."

Santa Cruz County Permit Number Business Name Address City Permit Expiration Date
PR0024668 EL SNACK DEL PLEBE 6 JASPER WY., APT 1 WATSONVILLE 12/31/2026
PR0023906 ENVISION EATS 152 GROVE ST WATSONVILLE 12/31/2026
PR0024327 FIKA BAKESHOP & KITCHEN 261 MADRONA WY BEN LOMOND 12/31/2026
PR0023752 GUMMYFRUIT 355 BREE LN APT H  WATSONVILLE 12/31/2026
PR0024344 ISABELLA'S KITCHEN 136 PAJARO LN., APT 102 FREEDOM

12/31/2026
PR0023908 MOLE TAMALES TONITA 615 BREWINGTON AVE WATSONVILLE 12/31/2026
PR0023862 PETITES FÊTES 406 S BRANCIFORTE AVE SANTA CRUZ 12/31/2026
PR0024149 PHAROH'S PLATE LLC 10200 LOVE CREEK RD  BEN LOMOND 12/31/2026
PR0023911 SEAN BURAU COFFEE LLC 228 FOREST AVE SANTA CRUZ 12/31/2026
PR0025207 THE FREE SPIRIT KITCHEN LLC 2535 DELAWARE AVE., #148 SANTA CRUZ 12/31/2026

 

If you have any questions, feedback, or would like to receive MEHKO program updates, please email environmentalhealth@santacruzcountyca.gov