To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Health Services
Meeting Date: November 3, 2026
Department Contact: Jenine Miller, Psy.D. Phone: 707-472-2341
Item Type: Regular Agenda Time Allocated for Item: 30 Minutes
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Approval to Opt-In to the California Department of Public Health Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) Program in Mendocino County; Authorize the Department to Develop an Ordinance, Permitting Process, Application Materials, and Operational Procedures
(Sponsor: Health Services)
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Approve opt-in to the California Department of Public Health Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) Program in Mendocino County; and authorize department to develop an ordinance, permitting process, application materials, and operational procedures.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
None.
Summary of Request:
MEHKO defined under the California Retail Food Code (CRFC), is a food facility that is operated by a resident in a private home where food is stored, handled, and prepared for, and may be served to consumers. Beginning January 1, 2019, individuals may apply for a permit to operate from their local environmental health agency in those counties where an ordinance or resolution has been adopted to allow microenterprise home kitchen operations to operate in that jurisdiction.
Environmental Health is requesting approval to opt-in to the MEHKO program in Mendocino County. MEHKO allows eligible individuals to prepare and sell meals directly to consumers from their private residences, subject to applicable state law and local permitting requirements.
The program would provide opportunities for small business development, support local economic activity, and expand food options for residents while maintaining food safety protections through Environmental Health permitting, inspections, and regulator...
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