Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations
(MEHKO)

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 $489 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 $551.00 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.

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