Legal Question in Business Law in California

You are never going to be entirely legal making foods in your home. No health department in the state will permit that. As far as what other permits and licenses you would need, you need to check with your city hall, or if you live in an unincorporated area, check with your county.

The other attorney is only partially correct. You can bake in your home, but to be legal you must have a commercial kitchen. You would need to remodel to put in a commercial oven, hood, vent, etc. and get this inspected and passed. Consult with an attorney in your area for specifics.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

You may need a business license from your local city. If you are going to do business under a fictitious name, you may want to register your fictitious name. You will also want to research any local ordinances, that may or may not affect your business.

Years ago, I remember reading an article in Reader's Digest while waiting for a physical at an Air Force base. The article dealt with a mother who was put through the ringer in obtaining licenses and permits while trying to establish a legitimate business for her daughter's lemonade stand. The end result of the story was that the red tape became so burdensome and costly, that it put the little lemonade stand out of business.